Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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410. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the challenging operating environment the haulage sector faces, in particular the unprecedented challenges posed by Brexit; the steps he has taken to protect the industry from daily fuel increases (details supplied); the steps he will take to ensure fuel costs for HGVs do not increase significantly as a result of measures implemented through budget 2020; his plans to recalibrate the diesel rebate scheme in order to track the variations in fuel more accurately in line with rebate levels operated in similar schemes elsewhere in Europe; if an additional carbon tax or increase in diesel excise is introduced in budget 2020, if an additional amount will be rebated to the licensed haulage sector through the diesel rebate scheme in addition to the proposed recalibration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41033/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The haulage sector plays a hugely important role in our economy and I recognise that it faces particular difficulties in the context of Brexit. My Department has maintained close contact with road haulage stakeholders including the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), the Freight Transport Association of Ireland (FTAI), IBEC, the Irish Exporters Association and the British-Irish Chambers of Commerce regarding Brexit and continues to work with the industry representative bodies in order to keep hauliers and business informed of developments, in keeping with our long-established practice.

My Department, along with other Government Departments, has emphasised the importance of stakeholders taking all necessary steps within their control to prepare for Brexit, including undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations.

Issues in relation to matters such as fuel costs, the diesel rebate scheme, carbon tax and diesel excise are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.