9. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he will be making a recommendation with regard to any further extension of the tax and excise changes introduced on foot of the Middle East war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48378/26]

Sentiment score: -0.20

I observed the interaction earlier in the question session between the Tánaiste and Deputy Doherty on this same issue. I very much welcome that the Government is going to bring clarity to this over coming days. It is as I expected because from the outset of the conflict in the Middle East, the Government said that we would observe the impact of the conflict on prices in Ireland and take the appropriate measures at the appropriate time. We have always said that we must be conscious that this conflict could prolong into the winter. As the uncertainty and volatility continues, this is prudent.

Sentiment score: -0.11

I welcome that and I very much welcome the fact the Tánaiste has forecast that we want to avoid a situation where there would be a cliff edge, where suddenly there would be a massive increase in price again, which would impact on households, in particular, and people who depend on their cars because, as we know, unfortunately, the transport system in many parts of the country is not at the capacity we would like to see and people are reliant on private transport. Obviously, the tax and excise changes on fuel have an impact. I refer to the legislative work that would need to be done before the Dáil rises on 16 July. We must ensure people are assured that throughout the period the Dáil is in recess that we have made provision to ensure we avoid that cliff edge.

Sentiment score: 0.37

The final clarity I would seek is in terms of the figure the Department of Finance has put out consistently about the full cost of these measures as being €750 million. Are we making provision, given the fact there may be consequences and there may be a necessity to extend these measures? The Tánaiste is talking about the prices having come down somewhat and maybe ameliorating the change but have we made provision? Are we contemplating what the full cost to the Exchequer might be if the necessity arises to continue these measures for an extended period, given the volatility that seems to exist in the conflict in the Middle East and the uncertainty it may continue to cause for some time? The Tánaiste is correct. All TDs will be coming to his Department with demands for the budget but I want to make sure the Department is fully aware of what this potential cost might be in terms of budget provision.

Sentiment score: 0.09