McDonald calls for early Dáil recall over fuel measures

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has requested the recall of the Dáil next week to vote on delaying the first stage of planned fuel excise duty cuts set to take effect on September 1. McDonald also advocates for the deferral of any further modifications to the current excise duty rate on petrol and diesel until after October's budget.

These demands were outlined in a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, intensifying pressure on the government amid growing debates regarding the planned excise duty cuts reversals. The coalition government agreed to a 32 cent reduction per litre on diesel and 27 cent on petrol in April, with an extension until the end of summer. However, four stages of the phased return to full prices are scheduled between September and December.

Fine Gael's Peter Burke acknowledged that all options remain under discussion, further clouding the government's stance. McDonald's letter urges the Coalition to postpone any phased removal of excise duty cuts until after the October budget. She emphasizes that diesel prices have surged by 19 cents in a single month, while petrol has increased by 9 cents, exacerbating the situation for workers, families, and businesses.

Despite international factors driving fuel prices higher, McDonald asserts that the government has control over the taxes imposed at the pump. She believes there is still time to reverse course, proposing a one-day recall of the Dáil to pass the necessary financial resolution and halt the impending price increases.