DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty has called on the Taoiseach to recall the Dáil before September 1 to stop planned Government increases in the price of petrol and diesel.
His Sinn Féin party has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin to recall the Dáil to pass the financial resolution necessary to prevent the increases from taking effect.
Deputy Doherty said: “Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, putting further pressure on workers, families and businesses. Diesel is now averaging €1.92 per litre, having increased by 19 cent in just one month, while petrol has risen by 9 cent to €1.84.
“Yet, at precisely the moment when international factors are pushing fuel prices higher, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and their Independents are planning to make matters worse.
“On September 1, the Government plans to increase the cost of diesel by 10 cent per litre and petrol by 9 cent per litre.
“This is just the first in a series of increases which would see the Government increase prices. These are Government decisions and they can be stopped.”
Dail TD Pearse Doherty wants the Dail recalled to postpone scheduled fuel price increases.
He added: “The Government cannot control every movement in international oil prices, but it absolutely controls the taxes it imposes at the pump.
“It would be completely wrong for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to deliberately make petrol and diesel more expensive at precisely the moment when prices are already rising sharply.
“This will hit workers and families who rely on their cars to get to work, bring their children to school and go about their daily lives.
“It will have a particularly severe impact in rural Ireland, where for many people there simply is no public transport alternative.
“It will also increase costs for farmers, hauliers, tradespeople, contractors and small businesses, with the risk that these additional costs will feed through into higher prices across the economy.
“September 1 is still more than a week away. There is time to change course.
“The Taoiseach should recall the Dáil for a day, pass the necessary financial resolution and stop these petrol and diesel price increases from going ahead.
“Workers and families are already paying enough. The Government should not make them pay more.”