Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our ability to reduce excise duty is impacted by various EU directives. I have covered the current MOT rates on petrol and auto diesel extensively. The MOT rates per thousand litres are €465 for petrol and €405.38 for auto diesel. Prior to March, the MOT rate on petrol was €636 per thousand litres, which was reduced by €170, representing a substantial cut of more than 26%.

The ESRI report is interesting. I accept there has to be a balance. We must help working people, but perhaps better-off people who have larger cars that are less fuel efficient will gain disproportionately compared with poorer people. The ESRI report reads: "Instead, increases to welfare payments, the fuel allowance, and even lump-sum payments like the household electricity credit are better targeted at those most affected by energy inflation."

See this speech in context