Work is ongoing within Government to finalise a package of measures aimed at easing high fuel costs driven by the US war in Iran, reports RTE.
The package is expected to include reductions in excise duty on petrol and diesel, along with changes to the cost of home heating oil, reports RTE.
As fuel prices continue to climb and pressure mounts on the Government to respond, it is now understood that the planned measures will lead to lower prices for motorists at the pumps.
This is expected to involve a cut in excise duty on every litre of petrol and diesel sold, reports RTE.
There will also be a reduction in excise on green diesel used in the agriculture and marine sectors.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has raised concerns that excise on home heating oil may not be reduced, reports RTE.
Deputy Pearse Doherty said that despite the cost of home heating oil having doubled, reports suggest the Government is unwilling to lower the tax.
He said: “Half measures like this from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael won’t cut it.
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“It is not even close to what is required to deal with skyrocketing fuel bills, reports RTE.
RTÉ News understands that changes to the cost of home heating oil are still being considered.
Simon Harris said in a statement this evening that the measures, which will also include supports for the haulage sector and those at risk of fuel poverty, “initially should be for a short, defined period, with the option to renew, revise or adjust them as circumstances evolve, reports RTE.
He also confirmed that officials are preparing economic analysis for the Government on possible scenarios Ireland may face as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Ciarán Ahern has called for increased access to remote working as a way to help people cope with rising energy costs.
He said: “An immediate and real way to protect working people from energy price hikes, as confirmed by the International Energy Agency, is to ensure that commuters have access to remote and flexible working where possible.
During recent yellow weather warnings, workers were encouraged to work from home where possible.
“The same logic and support must be provided to workers at this critical time, reports RTE.
The Government’s plans are still being worked on over the weekend and will not be finalised until they are approved by coalition leaders at their meeting on Monday night.
The proposals will then go before Cabinet on Tuesday morning for approval, followed by a Dáil vote later that day to bring them into effect, reports RTE.
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