Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
279. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the work being undertaken to reduce the cost of fuel, including home heating oil, green diesel and petrol; the interaction there has been between his department and the EU Commission on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26726/26]
View answer302. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will propose that the EU as part of its energy response toolbox suspends minimum excise duty levels on fuel to ensure member states have maximum flexibility in determining their own response to the energy crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26931/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 302 together.
The Irish Government is coordinating closely with the EU, as well as with colleagues across the national system and across the world, in the wake of the ongoing energy crisis.
At the Eurogroup meetings in March, I met with other EU Finance Ministers to discuss the energy price shock and the measures Member States were implementing in response. Member States are in firm agreement on the need to stay coordinated in our policy action and to continue to jointly monitor the situation as it develops. The Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment is also engaging with his EU colleagues in this regard.
At the European Council in March, I joined EU leaders in calling for the European Commission to develop a toolbox of targeted and temporary measures which Member States can draw upon.
The Government is open to EU proposals which will address the impact of the energy crisis on electricity markets in a coherent and proportionate way, having regard to the lessons learned from the 2022-2023 energy crises.
Furthermore, due to the exceptional circumstances resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, my officials are engaging with the EU Commission in relation to the Energy Taxation Directive.
At national level, we have introduced two targeted packages of measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the rise in energy prices. These are the most comprehensive supports of any Member State on a per capita basis. These actions will go some way to help alleviate the strain of increased costs for Irish households and businesses.
