"Government ignored warnings and failed to act ahead of protests" - Fitzmaurice

Clarification and further action needed on fuel supports

Independent Ireland Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice has welcomed elements of the Government’s fuel support package, but warned that significant gaps and practical concerns remain, particularly for the agriculture, construction, and haulage sectors.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said the reduction in excise on green diesel and the proposed 20 cent per litre rebate for farmers and agricultural contractors were positive steps, but stressed that delivery will be key.

“We welcome the reduction in excise on green diesel and the rebate for farmers and agricultural contractors. However, this must be a simplified system. Farmers need clarity that receipts from local suppliers and smaller purchases will be accepted. Many are not operating at the scale of large contractors, and the system must reflect that reality,” he said.

Warning signs ignored

“It’s sad that the Government had to be brought kicking and screaming to the table to bring in the measures that they have brought. It’s ironic that, going by media reports, that the key stakeholders the Government had brought in for talks had flagged that there would be protests over a week before they started if the Government didn’t provide additional supports immediately."

Clarification needed

“There is a lot of clarification required in relation to how these rebates are to be drawn down, and I think that detail needs to come because we do not want to see cumbersome ways of doing this. Everybody knows that there is a war on, but to put it very simply, in our opinion, due to Government inaction, prices have been allowed to rise across different sectors because we sat on our hands while this was happening.”

Key sector excluded from supports

Deputy Fitzmaurice also raised concerns that key sectors have been excluded from the scheme.

“One sector that appears to have been completely left out is the building sector. House builders, road builders, and those operating under plant hire do not appear to be included. That needs to be clarified immediately,” he said.

He warned that, despite the measures announced, significant cost pressures remain.

“Even with the rebates and excise reductions, the reality is that green diesel is still likely to cost in the region of 35 cent per litre more than before the war, and that is fluctuating daily. That is a major burden, and cash flow will be a serious issue for many this year,” he said.

“The rebate system must be quick and accessible. If it is cumbersome or delayed, it simply will not work for people on the ground.”

Haulage Sector

Turning to the haulage sector, Deputy Fitzmaurice welcomed the 10 cent reduction in white diesel but highlighted shortcomings in the targeted support scheme.

The Government had previously introduced a diesel rebate scheme for those with haulage licences. Sadly, those that do not require a haulage licence were left out of that scheme, i.e. quarries or meal providers that carry own goods, unfortunately, that rebate has still not been given to that sector. 

There is provision for an emergency fund for the haulage sector, which we welcome however all we have so far is a name, we don't know how much this is for or how much will be payable. It is our understanding that this measure will be extended to those haulage sector that do not require a haulage licence, the problem is we do not know how this is going to be administered and we do not know the figures involved.  

He also called for a streamlined approach to accessing supports.

“Hauliers are already saying that the system is too complex. The rebate process must be simplified and made accessible across the entire sector.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice further criticised the lack of measures relating to alternative fuels.

“At a time when we are constantly talking about reducing emissions, there is no meaningful reference to HVO, which could reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent. That is a missed opportunity,” he said.

“There is now an urgent need for full clarification, simplification, and inclusion. Without that, this package will fall short of what is required to support the sectors that keep this country moving.”

No help for home heating oil

Deputy Fitzmaurice expressed disappointment that those relying on kerosene to heat their homes had been excluded from any supports

"One fuel that has seen the highest increase is kerosene, while there was some support in the Government's first announcement there has been no additional supports in this package, home heating oil is still at an unaffordable level for a lot of people"

No Confidence

He concluded by confirming the reasons Independent Ireland will be voting no confidence in this Government.

It was very clear that the Government had many opportunities over the last two weeks to resolve the ongoing issues, but instead of making a phone call, instead of introducing a package of measures, they chose to play hardball and escalate the situation with their rhetoric, refusal to engage and decided to bring the army on to the streets. That is why Independent Ireland will be voting no confidence in this Government tomorrow.