Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was responding to the question the Deputy provided to me in writing. He asked about a rebate or an exemption from VAT for domestic energy supplies. I answered the question that was put to me. He made reference to the Czech Republic but it is notable that out of all the members of the European Union, at the moment only two are engaged with the Commission and the Union regarding a change in the VAT regime for energy pricing and the cost of energy. The Deputy is asking me to stand up. I am already standing by those who are affected the most by the change in energy pricing. That is why the Government has made the changes it made in the qualified child payment scheme. It is why we have increased the living alone allowance and the fuel allowance and it is also why we have increased the income threshold for the working family payment scheme. We are absolutely aware of the added pressure many are facing at the moment and we have recognised that through decisions that have already been made in the budget.

See this speech in context