Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The price of fuel and cost of living generally are issues we have been talking about for well over a year. It has come right to the centre of the debate now but let us be honest, the issues in respect of the cost of living have been raised by many, not just the cost of fuel but also the cost of childcare, rent, housing and all these issues. The cost of fuel is now creating a massive issue for many employers, families and workers. It is very worrying. I welcome that the Government has belatedly moved after we and others had been calling for a reduction in recent days. It is not as far as we would have gone and we will be tabling an amendment today but I welcome that there is some movement. I urge the Government to listen to what we are putting forward in the amendment. It is not just about the reduction now.

I urge the Government to take stock of this, anticipate that there are likely to be other changes and take forward its excise policy on the basis of what Sinn Féin is arguing for, which is a price limit of around €1.75.

I note that some petrol forecourts are increasing their prices tonight to take advantage of these provisions. They are a minority but it is very regrettable. It is a shame if a minority of operators are trying to exploit the situation. I expect the vast majority are doing the best they can with the margins they have but it seems some are taking advantage. It is vitally important that the Government's policy is clear and that it ensures the price of petrol stays at a sensible level. It is an issue for hauliers, school transport operators and many others who rely on transport for their employment.

As the previous speaker raised, there is an issue with the Covid bonus. Many family carers, in particular, were very disappointed not to be included in the scheme.

We need to ensure some of the supports that have existed in terms of capital and operating expenditure for aviation continue for the next two or three years because it will take some time for the sector to recover. It is a hugely important industry, particularly in the cities that have airports, and it is vital to protect it.

The issue in regard to the price of petrol and fuel generally highlights the need to make a rapid transition. The Government has not been ambitious enough on wind energy, especially when it comes to the lack of an auction for floating offshore wind. It is saying it will look to do that after 2030. The Scottish Government, with an inferior grid, already is offering such an auction. Despite the limits of its grid, Scotland is putting resources into ammonia and green hydrogen. There is a way this can be done. We can be a world leader in this regard and Cork Harbour can be right at the very heart of it. The failure at this stage to offer an auction for offshore floating wind shows a lack of ambition. Likewise, the failure to convene the seafood sector task force, which is meant to engage with the issues and challengers faced by mariners, says to me that the Government is not taking offshore wind generation seriously enough, particularly the potential it has to reduce the country's emissions and provide energy security and employment.

See this speech in context