Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
246. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to report on his negotiations with the transport, haulage, farming and tourism sectors regarding the impact of fuel price increases; to outline the additional supports the Government will introduce to support these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with various national representative bodies since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, including the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), and the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), amongst others.
These meetings were productive and formed part of a series of meetings between the industry and Government, culminating in broad agreement on further measures announced on 12 April to support industry in response to the fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
This included reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) until 31 July 2026.
The total reductions, including both the Mineral Oil Tax and NORA reductions, on a VAT inclusive basis are:
• 27 cent per litre for petrol,
• 32 cent per litre for auto diesel, and
• 7.4 cent per litre for MGO.
I have also increased the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel, which will help the transport, tourism coach, and haulage sectors. This is backdated to January and will apply until 30 June 2026.
Finally the proposed Carbon Tax increase on heating fuels and MGO due on 1 May has been postponed until October.
It is also important that Government’s response is targeted at protecting the most vulnerable, and that is why we are making an additional payment of €152 to recipients of the fuel allowance.
Furthermore, Government has announced a comprehensive €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Likewise, to support the haulage and coach sector, the Government will be establishing a new €120 million Road Transporters Support Scheme. The scheme will provide direct payments to the haulage and coach operators. Payments will be graduated, with smaller businesses receiving a proportionately greater level of support.
As well as the above, for coach operators providing local link and school transport services, a separate support measure will be introduced through the contractual arrangements with providers of these services.
The package of supports the Government has introduced will cost some €750 million to help offset some of the impact of rising energy prices for both households and businesses.
The Government will continue to engage and consult with industry and national representative organisations.
