Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 25:

In page 122, to delete lines 36 to 38, to delete page 123 and in page 124, to delete lines 1 to 30.

This issue was debated on Committee Stage, but it is so important it should be raised on the floor of the House. It involves extending the carbon tax to solid fuels. The issue of major concern relates to the purchase of coal, in particular, but also briquettes. As the Minister is well aware, this is a poverty related issue. It is a fact that the poorest families in Ireland, even if they are fortunate enough to have central heating, cannot afford to turn it on. Increasingly, families are turning to solid fuel and this increase which is being phased in from 1 May onwards to May 2014 will eventually add about €2.50 to the price of a bag of coal. That is a significant increase which, when multiplied by the number of bags of coal families use over the course of a year, represents a major imposition. The truth is that there are many people who cannot afford even to light a fire.

During the debate on Committee Stage the Minister made the point that there were environmental issues to be considered and that this was part of an overall strategy. I care about the environment as much as the next person, but I care even more about an elderly person at home tonight - it is a very cold night - who may not have the money to light a fire. The fuel allowance has been restricted in recent years and people are feeling the effect. I know the Minister of State does not have the authority to reverse this decision in the House tonight, but I felt the need to highlight again that it was the wrong decision. It is cruel and will affect the very poorest.

See this speech in context