Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

159. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce new initiatives for the purchase of motor vehicles other than diesel vehicles in view of the new evidence that suggests that diesel vehicles are prone to high emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21819/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of supports already exist to incentivise the purchase of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as relief from vehicle registration tax and, in the case of electric vehicles, a grants towards the cost of such vehicles.  Any new initiatives aimed at introducing policies to address emerging issues are considered as part of the annual Budget process.  This process starts with the presentation of papers to the Tax Strategy Group setting out options around taxation, including environmental taxes.  

The Programme for Partnership Government seeks to make Ireland a leader in the take-up of electric vehicles.  On that basis, a low emissions vehicle taskforce has also been established to examine initiatives which could further incentivise the early adoption of electric vehicles and other low emissions vehicles.  It is expected that the taskforce will make recommendations to Government to assist the transition towards cleaner vehicles.