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

I understand why the Government decided to wait until after the winter to introduce the measure. When is winter in this country is the subject of another debate. At the same time as the tax is being introduced which will affect one third of households in my county and one in four in counties such as Galway and Leitrim, the Government is trying to ensure compliance with the law on turf cutting. The turf cutting season starts at the same time as the tax is being introduced. This displays a lack of joined-up thinking on the approach being taken on the issue of turf cutting and the impact of fuel poverty. This applies particularly in the parts of the country in which people are dependent on solid fuel. A substantial cohort of the population faces this additional tax. That fuel allowance is not increasing is one aspect, but many families are not eligible for it. They are struggling to meet their fuel bills and may not have been able to avail of the energy efficiency incentives. This is putting the cart before the horse.

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