Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What I have done on many occasions is outline the issues an additional taxation measure on the energy sector in Ireland would result in. I have made clear that the additional revenue such a measure could gain would be needed but I have also outlined a number of other factors we have to balance that against, such as the impact it would have on jobs and future investment in Ireland and the impact it could have on the supply and functioning of our energy markets, which matter to the economic growth of the country. The European Union has now brought forward a proposal that would operate either EU-wide or in a number of countries within the EU and is aimed at balancing all those different issues. It is a complex issue. It does not lend itself to an easy or simple solution but if an EU-wide measure that can work is available, I believe Ireland should be part of it.

See this speech in context