Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to alleviate the burden of those involved in agriculture due to high fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The price of fuel and other input costs for farmers have risen in recent times. However, feed prices are likely to fall during 2012. Fuel prices are dependent on many factors, including exchange rates and international crises outside of Ireland's control.

A double income tax deduction in respect of the increased cost from the change in carbon tax means that the effective difference in the excise duty paid by farmers on agricultural diesel compared to that on auto diesel remains largely unchanged. The excise duty on green diesel is significantly less than that on ordinary diesel and it is also subject to a lower rate of VAT. This is consistent with the commitment in the Programme for Government and will ensure that farmers' costs are kept to a minimum.