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Cost of living

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Energy costs
Dáil

Mineral Oil Tax: Financial Resolution

The Government proposed extending temporary mineral oil tax reductions on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil until 31 October 2026, postponing their phased restoration and citing volatile international energy markets. It estimated the total Exchequer cost of the measures at €407 million and defended them as short-term relief alongside longer-term investment in energy independence. Opposition speakers broadly supported immediate relief but criticised the proposal as a temporary postponement, calling for fuel-tax increases to be suspended while prices remained high and for more targeted cost-of-living supports. Sinn Féin moved an amendment to remove the scheduled future increases; the question on that amendment was put at the close of the 60-minute sitting.
Dáil

Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil

The Government proposed limiting the financial resolution debate to 60 minutes, with set speaking allocations and immediate votes. Opposition deputies condemned the restriction amid the cost-of-living crisis, while the Government said the motion would prevent planned petrol and diesel excise increases and provide certainty; the proposed arrangements stood.
Seanad

Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026: Committee and Remaining Stages

Senators sought to tighten the Strategic Gas Reserve Bill with amendments defining “emergency,” limiting use to genuine last-resort supply disruptions, adding a sunset clause and annual reporting, blocking fracked gas imports, and keeping ownership and operation fully public. They argued the measure risks becoming a de facto LNG import facility, undermines climate law and could normalise fossil fuel use beyond emergencies. The Minister of State rejected the amendments, saying the reserve is a temporary, State-controlled backup for a rupture in gas supply, not a market play, and that further legislation will cover operational details later. He said the Government remains committed to the transition away from fossil fuels while keeping security of supply.
Dáil

Middle-income tax relief

Deputy Aird called for budget measures to help middle-income families with childcare, housing and rising taxes. The Tánaiste agreed many households work hard yet struggle to get ahead.
Seanad

Home care support delay

Senator Tully described a Cavan woman's difficulty getting home care support despite disability and a shoulder injury, leaving her dependent on family assistance.
Dáil

Social Welfare Benefits

Cork urgent needs payments rose slightly in early 2026 versus 2025, but Thomas Gould argued the scheme is underused amid rising energy and living costs, while Dara Calleary said supports like fuel allowance and additional needs payments remain available.
Enacted

National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026

The National Oil Reserves Agency levy on most petrol and diesel would be cut from 2 cent per litre to a nominal amount from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, with power for the Minister to change that period later by order if needed. The aim is to ease the pressure of rising energy prices, while still allowing the National Oil Reserves Agency to keep operating from its existing reserves. The change is expected to reduce levy income by about €20 million over two months, but it would not cost the Exchequer anything.
Withdrawn

Mineral Oil Tax (Emergency Cost of Living Reduction) Bill 2026

A reduction in mineral oil tax would be allowed temporarily on fuels used by households and drivers, including home heating oil, petrol, diesel and green diesel, to help ease cost-of-living pressure. The Minister for Finance could extend the relief if needed, must keep the impact of energy prices under review, and report on how the measures are working at least once a month.