James Breen (Clare, Independent)

For centuries this country has been blessed with a vast store of natural energy reserves. Unfortunately, little was done to preserve these national assets, as successive Governments failed to put in place long-term strategies that would have protected, preserved and maximised our resources. To compound matters, little has been done to maximise revenue collectable by the State from those who have exploited our energy reserves. The opposite has happened, with proper tax dividends that should be paid to the State reduced and no other levies being demanded of companies with worldwide budgets of billions of dollars. No operational structures to encourage those foreign multinationals to use Irish territory, ports, goods or labour markets were put in place.

Successive Administrations, however, have increased taxation on fuel for the ordinary consumer, resulting in the exorbitant prices we pay for domestic and motor fuels, with an occasional sop thrown to householders, as in the last budget where a slight reduction in duty on home heating oil was announced. If those foreign-based oil companies paid their fair share of tax, the already over-burdened taxpayer might think this Government was serious about an equitable tax system. They know, however, that is far from the truth.

While I accept the need to attract foreign investment, it should not be at the expense of ordinary citizens. We are merely the caretakers of the national assets of our country on behalf of the public. We should examine how to maintain investment while maximising the revenue entitlements of the State. It is time to abolish the ridiculous incentives which, however necessary they once may have been, now merely make us the industrial doormat of Europe. We are major international players so we should stand up and ensure proper safety standards are in place. We should stop selling ourselves short by the ludicrous granting of exploration licences which are then sat upon to prevent others from gaining such licences.

This Government has in the last year turned to every website and press briefing of those that understand the importance of fuel and energy markets and policies. It then cherry picks what it thinks sounds good and calls it its own. If this headless chicken Administration stood still for a moment and listened to the ordinary people affected every day by poor Government choices, we might have a fairer taxation system, more employment, a safer industrial environment and proper thinking on energy policy.

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