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

The Deputy's question is specific about the reduction in excise duties for petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. I know he said he has concerns about other issues and people on lower incomes and social welfare payments who might not be affected to the same extent as people trying to get to and from work. The question he asked was specifically on that issue and I have been confining my remarks to the specific question that was raised and, in particular, to what the ESRI said about that this morning, which I have quoted. The ESRI has talked about these issues. The European tax directive minimum rate for petrol is 35.9 cent per litre. Prior to the 9 March reduction it was 63.67 cent per litre and we reduced that to 46.59 cent per litre, a 21% VAT inclusive reduction. For diesel use as a propellent, the minimum rate is €330 per 1,000 litres, VAT inclusive, which equates to 33 cent per litre. Prior to the 9 March reduction it was 53.5 cent per litre so there have been significant reductions in that.

On the questions on this matter, I am advised by the Revenue that the costs of reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel are estimated at €27 million and €69 million, respectively, including VAT, for the period from 10 March to the end of April. We introduced those measures and they are continuing today, next week, the following week and right up to budget day.

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