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

I acknowledge the points that Deputies Nash, Harkin, Pádraig O'Sullivan, Doherty and Danny Healy-Rae have made in respect of this issue. I have given a commitment to keep it under review, in particular as we move through the month of July. I acknowledge and accept that this is a significant issue for forecourt retailers in Border counties. I also acknowledge that there is a wider economic impact. We have had a cross-Border dynamic in both directions depending on the relative strength or weakness of the currencies, and what the price is before conversion, etc. I accept that it can drive footfall and shopping spend to either side of the Border, depending on the way the numbers line up at any point in time. I note that. I have asked my Department to keep this under review. I understand it is a question that is wider than excise, but where excise falls can make a difference in terms of the decisions that consumers make in the Border area. I accept that and I will take that into account as the year goes on.

See this speech in context