Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his discussions with his UK counterpart in view of the new HGV tolls applying to Irish hauliers there; his plans on introducing a similar toll system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4353/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The introduction of the UK HGV levy was an unwelcome development for Irish hauliers, particularly for those operating in areas around the border with Northern Ireland. My Department lobbied extensively against the application of the UK HGV road user levy in Northern Ireland, but the UK Minister for Transport refused to grant any significant exemption beyond the small sections of NI roads that criss-cross the border.

In relation to the introduction of a pay-as-you-go road user charge regime in Ireland, this is being examined by my Department through the cross-Departmental Group on HGV Road Charging.  The Group issued a consultation paper on potential reform of the commercial vehicle motor tax system to stakeholders on 27 November.  On completion of the consultation process, the Group will submit a report with its recommendations to myself and the Ministers for Environment and Finance for consideration.

This Government recognises the importance of the haulage sector to the Irish economy and we have introduced a number of initiatives to support Irish hauliers.  We have introduced legislation to clamp down on unlicensed hauliers, a new on-line system for haulage licensing has been introduced and we have cut costs for hauliers through the fuel duty rebate, which is worth up to €33 million per annum to the industry.

In November I met with the Minister for Finance and representatives of the Irish hauliers to discuss options for reducing the motor tax burden on the haulage sector.  The Minister for Finance at this meeting committed to reducing road tax on HGVs of over 12 tonnes, with a tapering of the reduction for vehicles below that weight, starting in this year's Budget.