518. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he has been contacted by his ministerial colleagues about delivering a financial support package for the Irish road haulage sector which was initially proposed following the damage caused to the port of Holyhead in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59787/25]

I understand that the Department of Transport received a request for financial support from the Irish Road Haulage Association for hauliers affected by the temporary closure of Holyhead Port following storm damage. The consideration of this request is not under my Department's purview. Thus, I cannot speak directly on its progress.

However, under the responsibility of my Department, the Government does provide targeted support to qualifying road haulage operators under the Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS), whereby qualifying operators may claim a partial repayment of Mineral Oil Tax when the average retail price of auto-diesel, inclusive of VAT, is at or above €1.23 per litre. The current rebate is at the maximum rate of 7.5 cent per litre.

In addition to this, businesses which are VAT registered may deduct the VAT charged to them on the purchase of business inputs, such as auto diesel or HVO.