Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Seanad. This matter is local to County Louth. Standard Brands of Kilsaran, Castlebellingham, County Louth, has been manufacturing firelighters since the early 1970s and employs approximately 100 people. It also manufactures firelogs - logs which were previously imported from Holland and Germany. Imported products contain hardwood dust, waste wood dust and various other elements, while petroleum coke dust and natural waxes are contained in the firelog manufactured by Standard Brands. I understand imported products will not be liable for carbon tax, which will lead to retailers' switching to the imported product, with the possibility of job losses at Kilsaran, Castlebellingham.

The Revenue Commissioners are calling instant firelogs a solid fuel. However, the National Standards Authority of Ireland told Standard Brands verbally that it does not class firelogs as a solid fuel but as a source of ignition akin to a firelighter, to which carbon tax will not apply. There is no doubt the retailer will chose the cheaper product to put on the shelf. Introducing a carbon tax on instant firelogs made in Ireland will make them uncompetitive compared to European imports, which will result in a reduction in the workforce at Standard Brands. I am not sure what the logs are made of, but they are used one at a time. The wrapper is lit and then solid fuel, such as coal or timber, is added to the fire. They are not used like a shovel of coal or a number of briquettes but are used one at a time. I implore the Minister to reconsider the issue of carbon taxes on firelogs made at Standard Brands.