Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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332. To ask the Minister for Finance to outline his Department's view of the Central Bank's substantially higher surplus projections; and how he can, in light of these projections, justify not reducing fuels to affordable levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/26]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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This week my Department published the Annual Progress Report (spring forecast), which projects a General Government Surplus of €9.2 billion for 2026.

This figure is an upward revision to the Budget 2026 projection, and reflects the strong financial position of the State. This solid management of our public finances has given Government the capacity to respond in a meaningful way to the energy price shock.

Government is acutely aware of the pressures faced by households and businesses as a result of rising fuel and energy prices, and is utilising the strong financial position of the State to provide support.

Earlier this month, Government agreed to a new package of measures worth over €500 million, on top of last month’s €250 million package of reliefs.

Together, these packages have:

- Cut excise duty on diesel by 32 cent per litre, and 27 cent for petrol, including the reduction of the NORA levy by 2 cent per litre,

- Reduced excise duty on green diesel by 7.4 cent per litre,

- Increased repayments under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, and

- Extended the fuel allowance to the end of April.

Government has also agreed to delay the increase in carbon tax to later in the year. We are also introducing support schemes for the transportation and agricultural sectors.

In total, these measures represent a significant investment of financial resources to support households and businesses. The supports will remain in place until July 31st, and Government has committed to monitor the situation as it evolves.