Ministers get Fs for failure to aid environment
TWO Government ministers are today awarded 'F' grades for driving the most environmentally unsound cars among their Cabinet colleagues.
Community and Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon O'Cuiv and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern are in the same 'F' band for motor tax because the Audi A8 is their preferred mode of transport.
Since July, cars are taxed on the basis of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. The A8 emits between 224-249 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled, meaning it attracts an annual motor tax bill of €1,000.
Often accused of blowing hot air, the ministers are ignoring the exhortations of their Green Party colleagues by choosing gas-guzzling monsters instead of environmentally friendly cars such as the Toyota Prius. Only Communications Minister Eamon Ryan and his Green Party colleague Environment Minister John Gormley drive these.
As well as helping to reduce pollution, the pair are also saving the taxpayer a few euro -- annual motor tax is in the 'A' band, which commands just a €100-a-year payment.
The Prius emits 104 grams of carbon dioxide for each kilometre travelled.
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, with a BMW 525 series diesel model, cannot claim to have any 'green' credentials. The BMW emits between 165-182 grams, meaning it is in the 'D' band where tax is €430 a year.
- Paul Melia
