Minister refutes Cullen claims

Environment Minister John Gormley hit back today at claims from 'The Apprentice' boss Bill Cullen that he is to blame for plummeting car sales.

Mr Gormley refuted accusations from the multi-millionaire and former Renault boss saying the drop-off was down to tightening purse strings by consumers rather than his actions.

Mr Cullen said Green Party driven changes to road and vehicle registration taxes, which penalise vehicles with higher emissions, were causing potential buyers to think twice.

“Bill Cullen said I was responsible for this (falling sales), but you can’t attribute it to me,” he said.

“It is wrong and most people in the Society of the (Irish) Motor Industry would say the reduction in car sales is due to the fact that people have less money.”

Mr Cullen, who is earning plaudits for his take on 'The Apprentice' role made famous by Donald Trump and Sir Alan Sugar, has attacked the tax changes in last year’s Budget.

But the Minister told delegates at a climate change conference at Croke Park consumers are considering both financial and environmental factors before making the decision to buy.

“It’s important to stress initiatives we introduced have had a major effect in changing consumer behaviour in relation to cars,” the Green Party leader said.

“People are now opting for cars which offer savings but reduce CO2 emissions as well.”

Mr Gormley also said he was confident the proposed €200 charge for workplace car spaces announced as part of the Budget could be implemented.

“The finer details of that have to be worked out by the Department of Finance but I think it will be workable,” he continued.

“It has worked elsewhere, it will work here and we’ve had to bring forward a number of initiatives which are good for the environment but also raise revenue as well.

“I’ve no doubt that it will work but I think it has to be done in tandem with other initiatives to encourage good public transport and other modes of transport.”

The Minister was speaking at the Climate Change Conference for local authorities organised by Dublin City Council.