Hobbs set to fuel taxation debate

FURTHER debate about the level of taxation faced by consumers is expected after of Eddie Hobbs’ hit show Rip Off Republic puts transport costs under the spotlight tonight.

The programme has drawn angry criticism from Government ministers and backbenchers over its portrayal of them as the reason for consumer woes.

More than 665,000 watched the most recent instalment on August 15, a record summer viewership.

Tonight’s show - on RTÉ One at 9.30pm - will highlight the tax income generated by the Government from motorists. By adding together levies such as VAT, vehicle registration tax, motor tax, vat on fuel, tolls and fuel excise, over €4 billion is raised annually.

Almost half comes from excise on petrol and diesel, while €806 million comes from registration tax on vehicles, and drivers pay a total of almost €700m a year in motor tax.

In the first two episodes, Mr Hobbs angered Fianna Fáil politicians, who claim it is taking an opposition view of pricing issues.

One of his suggestions resulted in hundreds of nappies being sent to Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin, as a protest against the Groceries Order.

Tonight’s show also looks at overruns on public transport projects like the LUAS and the M50 motorway.