Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the principle of carbon taxation. I think it is something that we have to do, unfortunately. I do not like any taxes, but it is something that we have to do for the sake of the planet. There are times when there are peaks in global oil prices like those we are seeing now. We are experiencing a really high peak at present. There has to be a flexible approach from the Government. We control things like excise. The State and the coffers do very well when there are high prices because a percentage of those high prices comes back to the State. There must be intervention from the State at peak times such as those we are experiencing right now. The Minister of State is not the Minister for Finance. I have raised the issue within my party. I am deeply upset about the lack of movement on the issue. There has to be flexibility on the part of the Government to avoid fuel poverty and the almost hyperinflation resulting from extremely high prices that are being contributed to by the State's own excise duties. As I said, the carbon tax is getting a bad name. It only makes up a small percentage of the price. Action in respect of excise duties can make a big difference, and that needs to be examined. I urge the Minister of State to contact the Department of Finance on the issue.

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