Michael McGrath in heated exchange with Kerry TD and Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty over increases in motor fuel excise dutyover excise increases on motor fuel which resulted in the House being suspended for a time. A row erupted over the partial increase in petrol, diesel and marked diesel excise duty after prices rose on April 1st.
He added that there are 390 petrol stations on the border and Government’s planned increases in excise would leave petrol 20c a litre cheaper across the border. Mr Doherty pointed out that the British government have extended excise reduction. “God almighty, I beg you on behalf of the people who are on the road, do not be screwing them like you are doing. You are nailing them to the cross by insisting on putting back these increases.”
Mr McGrath said that over €1 billion had been provided in tax foregone by the Exchequer with the reduction. “I have given a commitment to keeping it under review” given the volatility in the market, he said.