Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
201. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the increased revenue to the State from higher costs of fuel will be fully offset by the supports offered to the public; the plans his Department have to ensure the current fuel crisis is at least revenue neutral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27445/26]
View answer208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in view of the severe hardship and difficulties caused for most sectors, including households, farms, hauliers, bus operators, businesses in general and employees, if additional measures will be introduced as a matter of urgency to assist people with the severe increases in energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27650/26]
View answer209. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will reduce taxation levels on businesses and employees in view of the current financial pressures due to increased costs; if it is proposed to lower excise rates on energy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27690/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 208 and 209 together.
I am acutely conscious that households and businesses across the country are feeling the impact of rising energy costs.
Over the weekend, Government agreed to a new package of measures, worth some €505 million, that will provide further support. This package is in addition to last month's €250 million package of reliefs, which reduced excise on fuel, cut the NORA levy to a nominal amount, enhanced the diesel rebate scheme and extended the fuel allowance by an additional month.
The additional measures include a further cut in the excise duty on diesel and petrol, bringing the total reduction in diesel to 32 cent per litre and 27 cent per litre for petrol. Government will also further reduce the excise on green diesel, bringing the total reduction to 7.4 cent per litre. These figures incorporate the reduced NORA levy introduced in last month’s package.
These measures will be in place until July 31st.
Government will also delay the carbon tax increase scheduled for May until later in the year and will introduce support schemes targeted at the agricultural and transport sectors. The Road Transporters Support Scheme will provide direct payments to haulage and coach operators, while the Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme will assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers.
Government has acted to limit the fallout from higher fuel prices in response to the situation in the Middle East, a situation that remains highly uncertain. The measures are deliberately timebound and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Government has kept matters under constant review to enable us to respond swiftly and decisively as the situation evolves, and I am committed to ensuring that our overall approach to budgetary policy remains balanced and sustainable over the medium term.
