Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In Schedule 2, inserted by paragraph (1), by the substitution of "€373.39" for "€383.42".

This amendment seeks to amend the 50 cent increase on tobacco to 30 cent, in line with our alternative budget proposals. Very importantly, this reflects the concerns that the Revenue Commissioners have already relayed to the Department of Finance. Essentially, we could reach a tipping point and excessive increases in excise duty could result in increased consumer purchasing from illicit sources and a decreased tax yield. The purpose of our amendment is to improve public health and increase revenue, but also, importantly, to avoid the consequences that Revenue has warned us about.

It should be noted that we will vote on this resolution tonight because the Government, despite the commitments the Tánaiste outlined in regard to a long-term strategy on tobacco prices, does not lock in through legislation such excise duties increases on an annual basis. It also does not legislate for locked-in social welfare, pension or minimum wage increases, for that matter. For no justifiable reason, it has legislated for an annual increase in the carbon tax up to 2030.

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