O’Connor hails extension to car scrappage scheme

Dublin South West T.D. Charlie O’Connor has welcomed the extension of the car scrappage scheme which will create much needed jobs in the sector.

“The Minister for Finance has announced that the car scrappage scheme is being extended up to 30 June 2011.  This is an extremely important measure which I have raised in pre-budget discussions in recent weeks.  Just last month the Society of the Irish Motor Industry said that if 10,000 scrappage scheme cars were sold next year €50m would be generated for the exchequer and has the potential to create hundreds of jobs across the industry.”

“Minister Lenihan has also announced that VRT relief of up to €1,250 will be provided where a car of 10 years or older is scrapped in accordance with certain criteria and a new car of emissions bands A or B (i.e. with CO2 emissions of 140g/kg or less) is purchased.”

“The car scrappage scheme introduced in January of this year has provided a major boost to the motor industry.  According to the Central Statistics Office 4,683 new cars were recorded in September, up 106% from 2,272 in the same month last year.”

“The Government has focused this important budget on stability, growth and recovery.”

“The improvement in car sales has already had a very positive impact on jobs in the motor industry.  The SIMI says 3,200 jobs were created in the industry in the first six months of this year, representing a saving of €74m to the exchequer.”

“I also want to applaud the work that the SIMI is currently engaged in with FÁS.  Efforts are well underway to recruit 150 new apprentices by early next year, creating employment opportunities for young people across the motor industry,” concluded Deputy O’Connor.