Government discuss a gradual reversal in the excise cuts on fuel
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
The Clare Byrne Show on Newstalk. With Aviva Insurance.
We begin with the news we're hearing this morning that government party leaders are meeting this evening to discuss this gradual reversal in the excise cuts on petrol and diesel. For more on this, I'm joined by Mairead Farrell, who's Sinn Féin TD for Galway West and Fianna Fáil TD for Kilkenny, Peter Chap, Clare, and you're both welcome to the programme. So, Mairead, what is it that Sinn Féin are wary of happening here? You believe, despite government assurances, that we're on a cliff edge, do you?
Yeah, look, I mean, what we've seen from government time and time again is that they kite fly in the media, they make all these promises and then in the reality they fail to deliver. And we know that people are struggling here and right now. And I'm deeply concerned what the government is planning to do. They're planning to do this, obviously, in the context of the fact that the Dáil is going to be in summer recess in the coming weeks, that this will come into effect while the Dáil is on summer recess.
What will come into effect, though? What are you expecting the government to do?
Thank you.
Well, to be honest, I'm expecting them to reverse what they had done in relation to fuel prices. That's what I'm expecting them to do. Whatever way, stage, way that they're going to do it, we cannot know until they announce this. But the reality is that this will have a knock-on effect on all those people who travel to work day in, day out and have to fill their tanks.
Well, Peter, as a representative for Fianna Fáil, what do you believe the government is going to do about these excise reductions which came into play after the fuel protests?
Yeah, I think first of all, Clare, and good morning to you and good morning to your listeners and Mairead. I suppose the first thing to note is that the government has already introduced probably the most significant package across Europe, a package worth 750 million, which has eased the pressure on many families and businesses and individuals right across the country. As part of those suite of measures, there was the 32 cent reduction in diesel and the 27 cent reduction in petrol. along with the additional four weeks for fuel allowance and depositing of the 1% carbon levy and a really, really significant agriculture and haulage scheme as well, which has been really, really well taken up. So there was that specific measure brought in in terms of the 32 cents and the 27 cents on the diesel.
Now, the Taoiseach has said very clearly, very clearly, that there will not be a cliff edge, that there potentially will be a taper levelling down, as one would expect considering the way oil prices have gone at the moment. I mean, Before the war in Iran, oil prices had served sharply. Brent crude oil was at about $115 a barrel. It's now trading close to $75 a barrel.
What concerns does Sinn Féin have regarding the excise cuts?
It's actually lower now than it was before the measures were brought in. So, yes, there will more than likely be a tapering down. Government are meeting this afternoon in terms of the leadership. And there's plenty of time before the dog goes into recess to make informed, evidence-based, prudent financial decisions for everybody in the country.
So there won't be a cliff edge, but it does mean that the cost of fuel is going to go up over the summer.
Well, let me give you an example, Clare. I was driving around the constituency yesterday in Carlow and Kilkenny and I came across Ballin. And before the diesel there in Ballin yesterday was 158, I think it was. 158. So that's a significant reduction. When these measures are brought in, you're largely looking at 225, 230 for diesel across petrol pumps worldwide. So there has been a levelling off period in terms of the price of diesel. People can see that. People can feel that in their pockets. And I suppose government has a responsibility now to get the balance right. And government knows we have to avoid a cliff edge, but we have a responsibility as well for taxpayers' money across the country.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–2:41
2
What concerns does Sinn Féin have regarding the excise cuts?
2:41–7:01
3
What measures has the government implemented to ease fuel prices?
7:01–7:39
4
How does Fianna Fáil justify the government's plan on fuel excise?
7:39–12:21
5
What impact will the proposed changes have on working families?
12:21–15:11
6
What are the economic implications of the fuel price changes?
15:11–17:19