Farmers concerned by tax proposals

Farmers, small firms and the motor industry have expressed on-going concern at the controversy over the use of commercial vehicles.

President of the Irish Farmers' Association John Bryan said the requirement that a motorist would sign a "goods only declaration" when taxing small commercial vehicles "has sent a shock wave through rural Ireland".

He said farmers are now "fearful" that the use of a van or jeep to collect a child from school or do the weekly shopping "could be deemed a criminal act."

The IFA leader said that he was "not convinced" by efforts from the Department of Environment to say nothing had changed in relation to the use of commercial vehicles by farmers.

"It is obvious that the Government is urging County Councils to tighten the rules on commercial vehicles. This would put unbearable pressure on farm families and rural businesses" he said.

The IFA called on Minister for Environment John Gormley "to clarify precisely when and in what circumstances" a goods only declaration is required.

Mr Bryan's comments were echoed by Small Firms Association director Avine McNally, who said being banned from using a commercial vehicle for domestic or pleasure purposes was "another nail in the coffin for small business".

She said the burden of additional tax payable for private use of a commercial vehicle amounted to a "stealth tax" imposed on the small business sector "from a Government that claims to be supportive of the small business community".

"The Government seem to forget that small firms are the backbone of the Irish economy, they are different and important - important because they create jobs and different because they are managed by people who are willing to take risks even in difficult times."

She concluded: "it has been stated that this proposal would be difficult to enforce and I question would it not be better for Government to focus their attention on actions and initiatives that would assist not hinder small firms".

Some motor dealers have claimed clients have already sought to cancel deals to buy commercial vehicles. According to Derek Burton motors 90 per cent of commercial vehicles which the business sells are destined for small business owners and farmers.

General manager Mark Burton said he did not believe trades people would be able to afford a second car to use at weekends, if they were to be prevented from using their commercial vehicles for private use. Alternatively he said many would not have the extra amount - up to ¤900 - to tax their vehicles as private cars.

Mr Burton said the business had already received calls from "a few customers" looking to see how they could get out of their arrangements to buy four by four vehicles.

AA spokesman Conor Faughnan said it was difficult to see a situation where vehicles would be stopped to see if they were carrying groceries for personal use, or if the passengers were "coming from Mass on a Sunday".

Brian McConnell of Windsor Motors said the recent circular issued from the department was "totally unjustified".

A spokesman for the Department of Environment reiterated that the tax position had not changed and maintained it was "business as usual" for users of commercial vehicles.