Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy said he is heartened by my response and I am heartened by his support for the general direction of policy in respect of the mix of our energy sources which we need to have in this country. The fall in the price of oil on the international markets has been significant, but we know that when we plan our energy policy, we need to take a medium to long-term perspective. We all know that the price of oil on the international markets has varied not just over the months and years but over the decades. It is a dynamic factor. We need to stick to the course we have adopted in terms of ensuring that we have energy security, meet our targets and have a sustainable energy policy. We should not be thrown off that course. The Deputy is right on this.

On the application of VAT, this is not a matter for me. It is a policy matter on the application of taxes such as VAT. I take and understand the Deputy's point, but it is not something over which I, as Minister, have any control.

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