Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which the proposed carbon tax is expected to impact on home heating costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17638/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which he has examined the impact of the proposed carbon tax on the economy in general; the effect this is expected to have on transport costs; if tax or excise reductions are anticipated to counter any negative effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17639/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

The Programme for Government signals that a carbon tax/levy will be introduced over the lifetime of this Government. The matter of the introduction of a carbon tax is one of the issues to be considered by the new Commission on Taxation to be established under the Programme. Consequently, at this stage, the precise design of such a tax has yet to be determined. This will, of course, form an important part of the normal deliberative process of the Government in setting fiscal and environmental policy. All relevant issues, including the effect a carbon tax may have on home heating and transport costs, will be taken into account in consideration of the proposal. The Deputy will recall, however, that the Programme for Government indicates that the phasing-in of a carbon levy will be on a revenue neutral basis, so it is not intended that its introduction will lead to any net Exchequer revenue increase or net addition to the overall tax burden.