I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 392 together.
The Department of Transport is currently finalising the operation of the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS). The scheme was brought to Cabinet on Tuesday, 28 April and announced at a press conference on Wednesday, 29 April.
I can confirm that the Scheme will be available to both licensed road haulage operators and the own account sector, in respect of certain heavy goods vehicles (over 3,500kg in laden weight) where the vehicle is used in the haulage business (the carriage of goods by road).
Licenced road passenger operators, subject to certain criteria, will also be eligible for support under the Scheme.
My Department is developing an electronic application and processing system to facilitate payments under the RTSS. The scheme will open for applications shortly and payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.
Separately, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is developing a comprehensive Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing increased costs in marked gas oil (green diesel).
