Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, I am aware of the externalities associated with the use of diesel. I have put in place a number of policies to reduce our dependence on diesel as a fuel of business. The use of natural gas as a propellant was provided for in budget 2015 at the minimum excise rate allowable under the EU energy tax directive. This measure will incentivise the largest consumers of diesel, such as companies with large fleets of trucks, to avail of this transport fuel. The rate of excise on diesel needs to be monitored carefully and, as Minister, I will not hesitate to raise it again if I believe that, on balance, there is a need to do so. I assure the Deputy that I will draw his remarks to the notice of my officials to have them taken into account if any alteration in the excise duty on fossil fuels is being proposed in next year's budget or subsequent budgets.

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