Paul Lawless

Well, we have an excessively high level of taxation on fuel.

And if you look at what's happening across the Gulf states at the moment, all of the experts are predicting this crisis to remain and potentially even get worse.

And we cannot continue to heap further taxes on what is a staple good that is spiraling out of control.

In relation to the state aid rules, VAT rate at the moment is 23%.

That could be reduced further.

In relation to the carbon tax, and we have long since been opposed to the carbon tax.

We opposed it from its very inception, one of the few parties to do so.

And we did so because really we saw what was going to happen down the line.

And Clare, let's be honest, like the carbon tax was introduced to try to change people's behaviour.

Well, the cost of fuel is already at such a high point that nobody is making unnecessary journeys, that everyone is.

But the fact is,

is that diesel, particularly in the agri sector and the construction sector, is a staple, it is necessary.

And we cannot continue with this high level of taxation at a time of such a fuel crisis and an escalating of prices.

In the Foynes protest, Clare?

No, no.

Where were you?

That was not the case.

I met with all of the protesters in Galway and some in Mayo.

You were at the protest, though.

I want to be very clear.