Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the volatility in the cost of filling or half filling a tank of oil. It is down to a number of factors. As the Deputy said, we have seen the price of oil increase very significantly in recent weeks. In the past 48 hours it has gone down by 5% or 6%, but who knows what will happen today or in the weeks ahead? Of course, the cost of refining is also a factor. The relative strength of the US dollar, given that oil is priced in that currency, is also a factor. The Deputy is effectively suggesting that the carbon tax on home heating oil would be reduced. I can say in the round that the Government is very conscious of the cost of energy for households across Ireland. There will be support in the budget for all households in terms of the energy costs they are facing. We recognise, coming into the autumn and winter months, that it will be a tough time for many. We provided extensive help last year, some of which was universal and some targeted. We will seek to provide further support next Tuesday, and we will lay that out in the House.

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