Collins welcomes provision of fuel rebate in Finance Bill

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has welcomed the provision in the Finance Bill, which was published today (Wednesday) which offers relief to the licenced passenger and transport sector and the haulage industry, in the form of a rebate of 7.5 cents in the litre on auto-diesel.

“Following on from the announcement in the Budget last December that licenced and tax compliant hauliers were in line to receive a rebate on auto-diesel to the tune of a maximum of 7.5 cents in the litre, this Bill gives effect to that proposal which will be warmly welcomed by hauliers the length and breadth of the country.

“In addition to this, the measure is to be extended to the licenced passenger transport sector, namely private bus and coach operators, who themselves have been hit hard by rising fuel prices in recent years. This relief will come into effect from 1st July 2013, creating much needed breathing space for those who are eligible for it.

“In respect of the hauliers, I, together with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, Department of Finance officials, the Revenue Commissioners, the Irish Road Hauliers Association and Fine Gael Deputy Heather Humphreys, worked hard to ensure that this provision was part of Budget 2013 so that transport costs for this vital sector could be reduced.

“I am delighted that the scheme will also be extended to cover the licenced passenger transport sector as this will give our bus and coach operators more breathing space to deliver the services that are crucial to the future development of our transport sector. This is even more crucial this year; the year of The Gathering.

“This Government recognises the important role played by these two sectors and their contribution to our future economic growth. I commend the Minister for his work in this area and look forward to the benefits it will bring for these industries.”

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