Fuel excise duty reductions are due to expire later this month. When they were announced last year, they took 20 cent per litre off petrol, 15 cent off diesel, and 2 cent off green tractor diesel. Families are struggling. Many of them are on the edge and sick with worry at the end of every week about where they will find the money to pay exorbitant energy bills, or pay to put food on the table for their families. Farmers and fishermen are also under considerable pressure as they struggle to pay everyday bills in order that we can have food on our tables. As we have seen on the pumps in the past couple of days, fuel is starting to creep up again. It is vital that the fuel excise duty reduction is kept fully in place for the coming 12 months. If removed, fuel will shoot up to the same level it was at last year, which was totally unacceptable and will take many families into deep debt. Will the Tánaiste assure the Dáil that the excise duty reduction will be extended?

I thank the Deputy for raising a very pertinent issue. I am glad he acknowledges the benefits and importance of the initiative taken by the Government in reducing the cost of petrol, diesel and heating fuel. The Government has said there will not be a cliff edge, but we will examine the full range of supports that were contained in the cost-of-living package. The Deputy is correct in saying that the expiry date is coming at the end of February. The Government will have a decision made in advance of that. It is being examined by the Government as we speak and will be examined in the coming weeks.