Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste's answer to the fuel costs is that he is okay with a 19 cent increase. I did not say the Government did not need the tax. The Government had 81 cent in 2020; it now has a euro. This relates to an increase in the price of fuel over which it has control. The Tánaiste talks about giving money to people who are vulnerable but it does not even make a difference to them because the prices have gone through the roof. They have gone out of control.

Food costs have gone up in this country because of inflation. The Government has been driving inflation. Reducing the additional tax imposed since 2022 would drive down inflation for everyone. It is not rocket science. You do not need to have a third level education to work this out. I did not have one and I am able to work it out. The Government should reduce the cost of fuel. The cost affects every industry, including the clothing and food industries, and farming. Reducing the tax will automatically drive down inflation and the cost of living. That is common sense, which the Government seems to lack.

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