Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment from a different perspective. It would be a tax incentive to encourage people who, unfortunately, have turf banks on designated bogs, mainly in the west, to go out and cut them this year. The Government is stating that if they go out and cut turf on a turf bank, they will not pay the tax, but if they buy a bale of briquettes, they will pay the increased rate of VAT. It has been telling people not to cut turf and entire regions of the country were sterilised because of this, which was a stupid move in the first place. There was a lack of joined-up thinking in that regard. Now, through the Finance Bill, we are saying that if they comply with the law and purchase solid fuel, as they are being asked to do, we will tax them. What message will this send in my constituency and every other affected by this measure?

In my part of the country up to 50% of some communities rely solely on solid fuel as their only source of heat. On a county basis, 37% of homes in County Offaly rely on solid fuel alone. The figure is slightly less than that in my constituency, but it is a significant proportion of the population. There is a direct connection between a large proportion of the population using solid fuel and access to turf banks. Sadly, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has decided to designate the many parts of the country where turf banks are located and sterilise these bogs. What is going on does not make sense and I ask the Government to reassess this measure.

On the one hand, we ask people not to cut turf and say we will pay compensation or provide alternative sources of fuel. In some cases, people are still arguing with the Department to have a decision made. On the other, we are introducing a tax they will have to pay when they comply with the law, regardless of whether it is an ass. It does not make sense and I ask the Government to reconsider.

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