Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am afraid the rhetoric is coming from the Minister's side of the Chamber this morning. The measures he outlined regarding the fuel rebate and fuel duty freezing reflect the fact that fuel prices have risen over the past three or four years. Moreover, under the present Government, albeit not necessarily entirely because of its actions but because of international pressures, the costs on the haulage industry have increased. The measure introduced by the Government was one proposed to it by the haulage industry and for which it was obliged to fight and to knock down doors over many months before it could get the Government to see the sense of it. It was a measure that led to increased revenue to the State because it ensured that more fuel was purchased in the State.

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