Dáil to delay planned increases in motor fuel excise duty

The Irish Dáil is set to convene today for an emergency sitting to postpone planned increases in motor fuel excise duties. These increases were originally scheduled for September and October, but the government has decided to defer them.

Instead of the planned hikes, the existing cuts to excise duty on petrol and diesel will be extended. This extension means the duty cuts will now be phased out over a longer period, starting from November and concluding at the end of February. The Dáil's approval is required for this financial resolution, necessitating the recall of TDs to Leinster House for what is expected to be a brief meeting.

Opposition parties are anticipated to use the session to pressure the government, likely demanding more substantial measures to combat the rising cost of energy. Sinn Féin, for instance, is expected to push for a commitment from the government to avoid any further increases in petrol and diesel excise duties as long as prices remain high.

Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris characterized the decision to maintain the excise cuts for an additional two months as a "common-sense decision." He stated that it provides greater certainty for both households and businesses grappling with high energy costs. The Social Democrats indicated they would support the extension but criticized the government's approach as reactive. Labour also plans to back the measure but advocates for targeted energy credits for middle-income earners.

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common-sense decision which gives households and businesses greater certainty.