Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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1369. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bridge the differential in commercial vehicle road tax between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30630/15]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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1373. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the fact that commercial vehicle road tax here can cost €4,000 per annum per truck for a six-axle articulated vehicle whereas hauliers in Northern Ireland pay €640 and this difference is compounded by the fact that local Irish hauliers have to contribute €10 per day for a vehicle to access Northern Ireland; if he will review this matter to ensure that there is some level of consistency in relation to these matters on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30989/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1369 and 1373 together.

My colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has established an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which includes representation from my Department, to consider issues relating to the Irish haulage industry. The industry is seeking a reduction in motor tax for the sector, a change in the basis of taxation from unladen to gross design vehicle weight and the introduction of road user charging. In relation to the latter two proposals, these are currently being considered and implementation, if recommended, would be for the medium to long-term. In relation to the first proposal, any changes to rates of motor tax are for consideration in a budget ary context.