Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I will be more subdued than other Members this morning. The issue I wish to raise is the fuel costs with which businesses and families are being hit. People have referred to the household charge, septic tank charge and other charges. However, the charge that is affecting the daily lives of families and businesses throughout this country is the cost of fuel. An inordinate percentage of the cost of fuel is due to Government taxes. Every time the price of fuel is increased the price of milk and the price of a sliced pan also increase, due to the knock-on increased ancillary costs of production as a result of higher fuel costs. There are also the costs for families for home heating oil and for travelling to work. Families are being hit every day and they have no way out. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the cost of fuel and the inordinate percentage of Government taxes on fuel in this country?