A Green Party minister has said he is concerned about a public perception that the party is associated with higher taxes.
Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan said he was worried about this view but did not see it as the reality.
“I know that what we're doing in Government as I said, day in, day out, is to actually help people, protect people and develop...digital skills and new skills in areas like the green economy.”
He said there was also a view the energy levy, or public service obligation (PSO) which will result in an increase of up to 5 per cent in electricity prices from October, was a new levy when in fact it had been in place for a decade.
“For most of that time it hasn’t led to any cost because wind power has actually subsidised some of the other sources. Because prices have come down – we’ve brought down prices by about 25 per cent – that has led to an increase in the PSO but it is not a new levy, it is not a new tax,” he said.
Mr Ryan also insisted there has been no change to the motor tax system despite reports today suggesting the Minister for the Environment has brought in a measure that would mean motorists using commercial 4x4s for domestic purposes may face increased charges.
“There’s nothing new in what Minister Gormley is doing. The Department of the Environment regularly put out circulars just setting out the rules.
“That’s done on absolutely a routine basis, that’s what happened in this case, there’s no new regulations, no new changes, there is nothing new, there is no change, no additional tax by the Green Party or anyone else," he said. “It is the law as was yesterday, as was last year as was for many years.”
Mr Ryan was speaking today at the launch of Active Retirement Ireland’s new website. He said that about seven out of 10 people over the age of 65 do not have access to the internet.
“If we get them online it hugely improves the quality of their life in communication, they continue to be informed, educated and it breaks down some of the isolation,” he said.