Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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247. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the bike to work scheme or implement a similar scheme, in view of the fact that its limited nature excludes large groups including older persons, disabled persons, persons without citizenship, school-going children and carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20183/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, tax policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance in the first instance. In that regard I very much welcome his recent announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the July Stimulus package launched last week by the Government. The increases he is introducing are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government in relation to the Scheme.

In relation to the specific suggestion of the Deputy, and noting the Minister for Finance’s responsibilities in the area, I do not have any such current plans. I believe the issue can be considered more fully in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility policy which is currently ongoing.  I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel.