Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 25, line 2, to delete “€465.98”, where it firstly occurs, and substitute “€359.00”.

The Minister is very welcome. The purpose of amendments Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, is to provide further relief and support to hard-pressed households during this cost-of-living crisis. Sinn Féin recognises that the Government cannot shield everyone from every price increase. However, we are fully aware that the Government can and should do more to support low- and middle-income households which, without support, cannot withstand these price increases without significant hardship.

Amendment No. 5 would reduce the price of petrol by a further 13 cent per litre, including VAT. Similarly, amendment No. 6 would reduce the price of diesel by a further 9 cent per litre, including VAT. Both amendments are consistent with the requirements of the excise directive. Amendment No. 6 would require the temporary suspension of the diesel rebate scheme, but would ensure the benefits of the scheme would continue to be enjoyed by those who qualify due to the excise reduction provided by the amendment. Similarly, amendment No. 8 provides for a further reduction of 3.3 cent per litre, including VAT, relative to April 2022.

Crucially, amendment No. 7 addresses the spiralling costs of home heating oil, which impacts on one in three households in the State and, if passed, would remove excise duty on a temporary basis and reduce the cost of filling a tank by €118. In the past 12 months, its cost has more than doubled, with the average price to fill a tank reaching a staggering €1,700 in March 2022, and it will not get any better. Many households simply cannot bear these price increases and they feel forgotten by this Government. More than one third of households across the State use home heating oil as their main heating fuel. These households have received no relief with respect to the cost of home heating oil.

A few weeks ago, the Government voted against a Sinn Féin amendment that would have removed excise duty from home heating oil and reduced its price. Instead, the Government made it even more expensive with a further carbon tax hike. That is wrong, senseless and places ideology above the realities facing workers and families.

Amendment No. 7 provides the Seanad and Minister with an opportunity to do the right thing and reduce the cost of home heating oil. I ask Senators to use this opportunity to make a difference by voting for the Sinn Féin amendments and protect families.