Support schemes for hauliers, bus operators, and farmers to be approved by Cabinet

An estimated 38,100 haulage vehicles will be eligible, and 11,900 licensed passenger vehicles

The scheme will operate similarly to the 2023 licensed haulage support scheme, with graduated payments based on the number of vehicles on an operator’s licence. File picture: Eamonn Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

The Government is set to approve two schemes to assist hauliers, bus operators, and farmers weeks after the fuel protests.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien and agriculture minister Martin Heydon will both seek formal Cabinet approval for the schemes.

Mr O’Brien’s proposal will see the establishment of a road transporters support scheme, with it set to apply to road haulage vehicles and licensed bus operators.

The scheme will operate similarly to the 2023 licensed haulage support scheme, with graduated payments based on the number of vehicles on an operator’s licence.

The Government has argued this will give smaller businesses a proportionately larger level of support.

Businesses with up to five vehicles will receive €1,350 per vehicle, and those with between six and 20 will receive €790 per vehicle.

Any business with 21 vehicles and beyond will receive €300 per vehicle.

It is estimated that 38,100 haulage vehicles will be eligible alongside 11,900 licensed passenger vehicles.

It was also agreed that both construction contractors and quarry truck drivers would be covered by the fuel support scheme.

Government leaders agreed the last minute change on Monday night, to make it so vehicles essential for construction are covered.

Mr Heydon’s €100m scheme is expected to have 120,000 farmers and 1,500 agricultural contractors eligible for funding.

The scheme will be linked to fuel usage for 2025, with the Government arguing this will ensure those most impacted by price increases are provided with the most aid.

Legislation for cancer survivors

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris and junior minister Robert Troy will seek Cabinet approval for legislation that would ensure people who have been cancer-free for five years are not penalised when seeking a mortgage.

This is a reduction from seven years, with the proposals also to increase mortgage protection cover from €500,000 to €650,000.

The laws will replace an existing voluntary code, with an expectation it will be passed before the summer recess.

Mr Harris is expected to say that a cancer diagnosis “should never define a person’s future, and should not stand in the way of something as fundamental as owning a home”.

Social protection minister Dara Calleary will seek approval for a scheme to provide financial supports to victims of domestic violence to cover their travel needs.

It will provide individuals with money to cover their travel needs for three months, with a further three months covered if they pass a means test.

Anyone seeking to access the scheme will be required to get a referral which can come from a refuge, a GP, or a court order.

• Tadgh McNally is a Political Reporter with Irish Examiner.