Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Finance the measures which are being introduced to ensure that the halving of excise duty on kerosene and other home heating oils in budget 2006 is being passed on to the consumer; the evidence he has that retailers are not passing on the difference in price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1246/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The changes I announced in the budget — a halving of the excise rates for kerosene and LPG — were undertaken in order that consumers would benefit directly from such a move. In addition, I announced in advance that these excise rates will be reduced to zero in next year's budget.

There has been some anecdotal evidence from consumers contacting my Department that prices have not fallen in line with the appropriate tax reductions. Of course, prices can fluctuate due to a range of non-tax factors, and this is particularly the case in respect of oil products given the day-to-day movements in price arising from supply issues. Notwithstanding this, I have asked my officials to monitor price levels in this area.