Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is the Minister of State saying the Government is now acknowledging that what it has already done has been poorly targeted? A larger package - one where the vast majority of its measures are targeted - is needed. Other people are feeling the pinch, of course, which is why issues like excise also need to be considered.

Fair play to the Minister of State for mentioning that the minimum rate allowable under the directive is below the rate in Ireland at the moment. Let us be clear in that there are people who have to travel. Many are thinking twice before they get into the car, but they have to if they need to go to hospital or if they live in rural Ireland and need to go to work. Petrol now costs €2.25 per litre and diesel is increasing to the same level. It is predicted that diesel might even hit €2.50 in the next while. The current excise rate on petrol stands at 47 cent, but the minimum rate allowable is 36 cent. The current rate on diesel is 41 cent per litre whereas the minimum under the directive is 33 cent. This means that, inclusive of VAT, the Minister for Finance could reduce the price at the pumps tonight by 13 cent for petrol and 9 cent for diesel. That would not be enough, though. The Government also needs to engage with the Commission to get further flexibility on excise or VAT rates.

We know that prices will continue increasing, so for the Minister of State to say the Government will do no more is not acceptable for many of those who cannot get by any further.

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