Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the figures the Minister gave me of €102 million and €51 million for both of those increases. My question was with specific regard to the numbers because when we have this debate, it is easy to call for deferrals and putting things on the long finger. It is also important to highlight that it is €153 million, and the people calling for deferral will need to explain their own position on the other side as to where they might source that money or otherwise.

I know people are hard pressed. That goes without saying. All of us in the House and those belonging to us, our friends and family, watch the forecourts and the prices going up and down. That volatility is making things difficult for people. However, I welcome the Minister's statement today and when he earlier answered other Deputies' questions in terms of keeping the position under review. That is the responsible position to take and he has intervened in the past, as he alluded. Going forward, if the case arises, I hope he will be given an opportunity to possibly intervene again next year.

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