Fine Gael spokesperson on social protection Deputy Michael Ring and Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony have called on John Gormley to reverse his new policy to prevent tradespeople and small businesses from using commercial vehicles for occasional personal use.
“This is just another ridiculous idea from Minister Gormley,” Deputy Ring said. “It defies logic that a tradesperson cannot use their commercial vehicle for occasional social and personal use. On what basis is he forming this theory? It is just another money making racket scheme for the Government.”
The deputy said that this will “create further financial hardship for already struggling tradespeople and small businesses. It seems outrageous that a commercial vehicle cannot be used for occasional social use. The Government are placing another stealth tax on businesses at a time when they should be encouraging them to continue trading.”
Dep O’Mahony said that the minister needs to “recognise reality and reverse his daft new policy”.
“John Gormley should take his head out of the sand and realise what he is doing,” Dep O’Mahony added. “His plan seems to suggest that gardaí will be asked to police church car parks, school yards, shopping centres and sports clubs to find commercial vehicles being used outside the workplace – what a joke!”
