78 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Finance if he will award a higher rate of grant to those purchasing a car with a catalytic converter under the current car scrappage scheme to promote the reduction of pollution levels in our town and cities. [4878/96]

The EU Directive dealing with exhaust emissions standards for new vehicles including cars prohibits member states from granting financial incentives for such vehicles to meet the standards since 1 January, 1993 when the directive took effect. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to introduce the concession sought by the Deputy.