The budget is just around the corner and I want the Minister to know that the cost of fuel has gone up because of the trouble in Iran. Despite that, it is almost certain that he is going to increase the carbon tax.

Does the Minister have any comprehension of how it will affect people in rural Ireland? I refer to people living in remote areas who need their car. It will already cost them €4.50 extra to fill their car before the carbon tax is increased at all. Does the Minister have any idea that such people need their cars to go to work, to take their children to school, and to travel to doctor's appointments and hospitals? It will affect hauliers throughout the country and farmers who need their tractors. Does the Minister have any idea how the measure will hurt people and does he realise the price of home heating oil already has increased, before putting it up even further? It will affect the elderly, who we believe will receive no increase in their pension this year. How much more misery will the Government inflict on people in rural Ireland?

I am well aware of the concerns that commuters and, in particular, those who use their cars in rural Ireland have about changes in carbon pricing. I was involved in this debate this time last year and, as we approach budget day again, I am very much aware of the concerns commuters will have, as well as the concerns of people who do not have the kinds of public transport options that people in our larger cities have. Nevertheless, I am equally aware, as are many of the people the Deputy referred to, of the pressing need to change how our economy and country flow in order that we can play our part in responding to the change to the climate taking place in front of us. My commitment and what I am looking to do, subject to approval by the House, in respect of any changes we make to carbon taxation, is that those on the lowest incomes will be on the top of our agenda for how we will support them at a time of change. I understand the Deputy's concerns and why he raised them but we are examining the great challenge of how we can respond to what is now happening to our climate.