I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Finance Bill 2026, which gives effect to the cost-of-living package introduced by the Government earlier this year. These supports include 32 cent off a litre of diesel, 27 cent off a litre of petrol and other measures which are not small adjustments. They are part of a significant €750 million package to support families and businesses as we deal with the energy shock caused by the continuing conflict in the Middle East. The Government’s €750 million intervention was a serious response to the situation and one of the most significant across the EU. The Government also deferred the carbon tax increase that was due on 1 May. That deferral runs until 14 October and may need to be extended if energy prices remain elevated. It protects households heating their homes with kerosene, natural gas and solid fuels and is targeted relief at the moment people need it most. I also acknowledge the supports provided for the transport sector. The diesel rebate scheme has been increased from 7.5 cent to 12 cent per litre and backdated to January. There is new road transporters support scheme worth €40 million a month. There is also €100 million scheme for farmers, contractors and fishers. Our hauliers, coach operators and farmers keep this country moving. They deserve that backing. The situation in the Middle East seems to shift on an almost hourly basis. We all hope that a durable ceasefire can be achieved that gives way to permanent peace in the region. However, it is clear the energy shock caused by the conflict will continue in the short term. Turning to budget 2027, I call on the Minister to ensure working families and individuals are supported in the budget with a decent tax package. I was disappointed income tax bands were not adjusted last year. This had a negative impact on workers and must be rectified in this year’s upcoming budget. Further progress must also be made on the USC. Equally, given inflation, we need to see a decent package for social protection with particular emphasis on fuel allowance. A general energy credit should also be examined if energy prices remain high as we enter the winter. More generally, I echo calls for adjustments to capital taxation rates and bands. I hope the Minister will consider the call I made last year to increase the small gift exemption from €3,000 per year. It has not been increased since the euro was introduced quite some time ago. I support calls for a more general overhaul of the inheritance tax system to give everyone a lifetime allowance which would be far more equitable. In the limited time available, however, it is not possible to cover everything I would like to raise. I have highlighted a range of measures via parliamentary questions but I would like to see supports increase for schemes such as the cycle to work programme and to expand them to the self-employed. I would also like to see increased investment in capital projects, particularly in public transport. We badly need more buses, trains and Luas lines, and especially the expansion of the Luas line to Bray. Given the increase in the population in my constituency of Dún Laoghaire, the Government must increase investment in local infrastructure that provides for critical services, such as the construction of a new Garda station in Cherrywood and a primary healthcare centre in Loughlinstown. Value for money is important and I call on the Minister to examine some of the disruptive road interventions being planned across Dublin to ensure they deliver a real public benefit. Removing bus lanes, turning lanes, roundabouts or sliplanes along the N11 in particular, which was recently refurbished at a very significant cost, do not strike me as good use of public funds, particularly at this time. This funding would be far better invested in housing, upgrading public transport services or EV-charging infrastructure, which is critical to support the shift to green energy. I look forward to engaging with the Minister over the coming months ahead of budget 2027 to ensure it reflects priorities and supports hard-pressed households and indeed businesses.

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