Ordinary motorists struggling with the cost-of-living crisis are getting a raw deal from this Government and the hits keep on coming. The first hit was that the Government failed to rein in insurance companies that are increasing rip-off premiums. The Government actually blocked my legislation which would have forced costs down. The second hit came when the Government chose to hike up prices of petrol and diesel in the budget. The third hit is that it will increase tolls on national roads from 1 January. Motorists are being fleeced and the Government is doing this at a time when so many households are struggling to make it to the end of the week. Has the Minister forgotten that people in rural and urban areas need their cars to get to work, drop their kids off to school or drop a loved one to a hospital appointment? This is crucial in rural areas where public transport options are not available. Why is this Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government so intent on making life harder for ordinary motorists? Will the Government engage with TII to ensure the toll increases the Government plans to bring in on 1 January do not go ahead? Will it give motorists a break, please, for once?

First, the Government does not set the tolls. The Deputy knows that, too. Let us be straight, clear and honest with people. I have to say, though, and it is not often I agree with Deputy Doherty, the proposed toll increases are far too high, particularly at this current time. For example, there will be an increase of €1 to the peak-time rate on Dublin Port Tunnel’s southbound carriageway. Apparently, TII and Dublin Port Tunnel are saying it is to help with the flow of traffic. Anyone in this city or county who sees the flow of traffic through the port tunnel at the moment will know it is not working as it should. It is being metered and people are being delayed. I have written to the Minister for Transport in respect of tolling. To be clear, though, the Minister for Transport does not set the toll rates. I am certainly concerned and would like TII and the tolling companies to reflect on their proposed increases and not to proceed with them.