Investigation Needed into Volkswagen Scandal

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has called on Environment and Transport Ministers Alan Kelly and Pascal Donohoe to give a full account to the Dáil outlining the implications for Irish
motorists arising out of the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Volkswagen, the German car giant have confirmed that 11 million cars worldwide are potentially involved in the company’s car emissions scandal.

“New car sales statistics in Ireland show nearly 80,000 Audi, Skoda, Seat and VW cars were with 1.2-litre, 1.6-litre, 2-litre diesels between 2009 and 2014.

“VW Group Ireland has declined to give any information on the number of cars affected or which models from the four brands are involved in the deception.

“Their cars are emitting up to 40 times the levels of NOx permitted – a dangerous cause and contributor of respiratory illness.

“Aside from the obvious health implications for motorists and the general public this scandal could very well have financial implications for tens of thousands of Irish drivers”

“Higher emissions may result in higher tax bands for cars, both diesel and petrol included. There is also the very real concern that a very large number of Irish diesel cars could be recalled as a result of
this scandal.

“The software used in Volkswagen’s diesel cars to trick emissions testers in the US was also supposedly built into its European vehicles.

“The Government and particularly the Ministers for Transport and Environment need to take a more proactive role in investigating and responding to Volkswagen’s deceit.

“The statement from the Department of Transport that said it was keeping a watching brief on this issue and is in contact with the Department of Environment on the matter. That will hardly satisfy
worried car owners.

“Volkswagen Group Ireland also needs to speak up, come clean and provide answers on their level of knowledge regarding Volkswagen cars sold in Ireland.

“This scandal is not going anywhere soon and the Transport and Environment Ministers need to give accurate and up to date information to the motoring public about the implications of the emissions scandal.”