Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
278. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the further measures he is considering to support sectors that are struggling with the current fuel crisis, in particular the agricultural sector, haulage and private bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26753/26]
View answer318. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the immediate tax or fiscal measures being considered to alleviate ongoing cost-of-living pressures on low and middle-income households, particularly in light of rising energy, food and housing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26732/26]
View answer319. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on the work being undertaken by his Department to reduce the cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26734/26]
View answer329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures he plans to take to address the runaway cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 318, 319 and 329 together.
I am acutely conscious of the impact rising energy prices are having on households and businesses.
In response to this, Government has introduced two packages of supports worth over €750 million that will help to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs.
The measures introduced in these packages include reducing the excise duty and NORA levy on fuel. This brings the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent per litre, 27 cent per litre for petrol and 7.4 cent per litre for green diesel. The Fuel Allowance scheme was also extended by an additional four weeks and the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme was increased.
Government also agreed to delay the scheduled increase in carbon tax until later in the year and will introduce support schemes for key sectors of the economy. 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.
These temporary measures will benefit households and businesses and are in addition to the permanent supports that were introduced in Budget 2026, such as the reduced rate of VAT on gas and electricity.
Government has responded swiftly to immediate pressures in the economy. However, these supports are timebound and will be continuously reassessed as the situation evolves over the coming weeks and months.
It is because of this Government’s record of solid budgetary management that we now have the fiscal capacity to respond to external shocks.
This further highlights the importance in adhering to a sensible and sustainable budgetary policy. That is why we are targeting budgetary surpluses over the medium term, and setting aside a portion of windfall tax into our two long-term savings funds.
