386. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has assessed the proposal to proceed with planned carbon-tax increases while reducing excise duty by an equivalent amount (details supplied); the status of his Department’s consideration of the paper presented by an organisation in June 2026; when a substantive response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64532/26]

388. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will establish an independent expert group to examine the cumulative impact of excise duty, carbon tax, VAT, renewable-fuel obligations, energy-efficiency obligations and strategic stockholding requirements on fuel prices, household affordability, business competitiveness, emissions reduction, Exchequer revenue and energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64530/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 388 together.

My Department officials met with Fuels for Ireland, and some of their members, on 21 July this year in which Fuels for Ireland raised the potential establishment of an independent expert group on fuel.

It is recognised that the Ireland’s commitments on decarbonisation impact both the fuel sector from an industry perspective and consumers in terms of the requirement for behavioural change. With regard to national fiscal policy and excise rates, the carbon tax is a well established and well signalled policy signed into law in 2020.

The Government approach to fiscal policy is informed by a strong evidence basis and must carefully balance our climate action commitments whilst supporting a robust economy, national competitiveness and a strong exchequer base. My officials continue to assess policy options as regards Mineral Oil Tax rates on this basis and consider pre-budget submissions as part of this process.

It should be noted that there are a number of ongoing work streams which are working collaboratively in this regard and in line with our climate action commitments as well commitments to a Just Transition and which will serve to protect the Exchequer. This includes ongoing work streams relevant to Fuel for Ireland's paper.

Furthermore, the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established in June 2025 to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The NEAT's expanded remit now encompasses both the longer-term Energy Affordability Action Plan and a coordinated national response to the energy shock arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It is chaired by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and brings together senior representatives from across government, the energy sector and regulatory bodies.