Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Is it the case that the Cabinet has already approved the emissions trading aspect of the carbon tax? Is it the case that under the approved system of emissions trading, those responsible for large amounts of carbon emissions will not need to alter their operations significantly over the coming years? Will it be the case, therefore, that small business will be obliged to pay the carbon tax while the larger operators will not?

Does the Minister agree that this carbon tax could raise up to €500 million, according to his own policy paper, and that this will be paid predominantly by poorer families? The typical family on the minimum wage spends 15% of its income on fuel — about €40 per week. If they are using peat and coal, the most polluting fuels, they face a €10 per week increase in fuel costs. What does the Minister propose to do about the implications for different types of business, as envisaged in his proposal, and the implications for families who are struggling to make ends meet?

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