Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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259. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding reports of future equalising of fuel here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25297/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The current rates of excise duty applying to auto-diesel is 47.9c per litre and to petrol is 58.7c per litre.

Tax Strategy Group papers are prepared by Department of Finance officials in advance of the group meeting to discuss various options with regard to tax.  The papers provide information and background on the various tax heads together with revenues, trends and relevant topics of interest.  The papers also present various options for the Budget and for the medium and longer term, for consideration.   

One of the options included in the energy and environmental taxes paper this year was an option to equalise the excise duty rates applied to petrol and diesel.  The paper outlined the background and rationale for such an option together with potential yields and other pros and cons.  This is a normal part of the annual Tax Strategy Group process.  However, it must be noted that all options are only presented by officials for discussion at the Group and are not, and do not purport to be, agreed Government policy.

It is a long standing practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment on measures which may or may not be included as part of the Budget.