Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
257. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in the context of rising costs and higher prices hitting households, the surplus that the State will run in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraToday, my Department published its spring forecast, which projects a General Government Balance of €9¼ billion for 2026.
Government is acutely aware of the pressures faced by households and businesses as a result of rising fuel and energy prices, and is utilising its strong financial position to provide support.
Earlier in April, Government agreed to a new package of measures worth over €500 million, on top of the €250 million package of reliefs announced in March.
Together, these packages have cut excise duty on diesel by 32 cent per litre, and 27 cent for petrol, including the reduction in the NORA levy; reduced excise duty on green diesel by 7.4 cent per litre; increased repayments under the Diesel Rebate Scheme; and extended the fuel allowance to the end of April.
Government has also agreed to delay the increase in carbon tax to later in the year, and we are also introducing support schemes for the transportation and agricultural sectors. In total, these measures represent a significant investment of financial resources to support households and businesses, and will remain in place until July 31st.
The balance forecast for 2026 incorporates the impact of these measures.
