Donegal TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty, has said that the government must commit today to no further increases in excise duty on petrol and diesel while prices remain high.
Speaking ahead of the recall of the Dáil, Deputy Doherty said: “Sinn Féin’s position is clear.
“There must be a realisation that there can be no further increases in excise duty on petrol and diesel while prices remain high, not now and not in November.”
Excise duty cuts were introduced in April following nationwide fuel protests after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East sent fuel costs soaring.
Cabinet have since agreed a revised schedule to phase out these cuts from November until the end of February.
Deputy Doherty has also called on the government to introduce a cost-of-living package.
“That is where today’s discussion needs to be, reflecting the lived experiences of people across this state,” said Deputy Doherty.
“The only reason that the Dáil is sitting today is because the public made it very clear that they will not tolerate the government’s plan to start increasing petrol and diesel by 34 cent and 29 cent on September 1.
“But government still does not get it. It is clear from the cabinet meeting that they will use today’s sitting as an exercise in kicking the can down the road, and it will be ordinary workers who will end up carrying the cost.
“It is not good enough to postpone these increases until November.
“There must also now be serious questions about this government’s daft policy to increase the tax on petrol and diesel every year between now and 2030.”
He added: “Thousands of people took to the streets because the government did not do enough.
“That sentiment remains today. Prices continue to go up, not just fuel, but everything else as well.
“People are at breaking point so the government needs to start listening.”