Department of Finance to meet truckers

- IRHA to meet Government officials calling for immediate action to combat fuel crisis

The Department of Finance has agreed to meet with a delegation from the Irish Road Haulage Association on Thursday, 15th September 2005 at 1.30pm.

The Irish Road Haulage Association, led by its President Vincent Caulfield will present the Department with a fuel cost submission, preparedd by leading Irish accountancy consultants, BDO Simpson Xavier.

This report aims to impress on officials the crisis situation the industry finds itself in, with members struggling to keep pace with surging oil prices. The delegation will suggest to Department of Finance officials that a duty rebate system be afforded immediately to tax-compliant, licensed hauliers, in order to alleviate this smothering burden.

Commenting, Jimmy Quinn, Irish Road Haulage Association said: "Governments across Europe have taken action to curb fuel costs and we are now calling on our Government to stand up and offer immediate assistance and support. Continued neglect will lead to the decimation of theh entire industry."