Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, this is global. Yes, it is squeezing those on lower incomes in particular. Yes, there are international factors beyond the Government's control. Yes, yes, yes - but no, the Government should not sit on its hands. The Minister for Finance has said the Government will do nothing additional for the next seven months. I would like the Tánaiste to clarify that that is not the case and that the Government is going to do more. I have given the Tánaiste two concrete proposals on VAT and the excise duty on home heating oil. Both of these things can be done. The proposal in respect of VAT would have to be done in conjunction with the European Commission, but the Tánaiste should bear in mind that as far back as October 2021, and then again this month, the European Commission was very clear that it was providing toolkits to allow member states to intervene in precisely the way I am outlining.

I asked the Tánaiste to ensure the removal of VAT and of all excise on home heating oil. As the Tánaiste knows, there is excise on home heating oil. The homework has been done on that on this side of the floor. It is important the Government takes action because we all agree that people are struggling. I am making two clear proposals and I would like an assurance that, contrary to the assertion of the Minister for Finance, the Government will pursue these actions.

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