Robert Troy
Longford-Westmeath · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Only last weekend, I had the honour of representing the Taoiseach at the commemoration of those who had lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme. The presence of the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was a very positive development. I understand that it was the first time she was present in Dublin for that commemoration.”
“People deserve to know and understand not just the aspiration but the implication for their livelihoods, public services and future. Transparency is something I have tried to foster during my term as Minister of State in the Department of Finance. People expect it and are savvy enough to find it themselves.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this debate on the financial implications of Irish unity. It is fair to say that it is an important discussion and one that deserves to be approached with seriousness, honesty and respect.”
“If we are serious about unity - I believe we all are - we must be equally serious about preparation. That includes asking the difficult but necessary questions, including about the role of the UK in supporting any transition, whether financial contributions over a defined period would form part of any agreement and how the EU could be inv…”
“While many will view these as barriers so as to delay and misinform, we need to realise that our island has overcome its fair share of barriers in the past and we have the capacity to overcome any barriers in the future. What we should be looking at are the opportunities that a united Ireland presents.”
“It can be secured through reassurance, actions and compromise. Deputy Lahart indicated some of the compromises that may need to be considered. From a financial perspective, we need to look for clarity. Some fundamental questions need to be addressed. What would happen to public services? How would taxation be structured?”
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“People deserve to know and understand not just the aspiration but the implication for their livelihoods, public services and future. Transparency is something I have tried to foster during my term as Minister of State in the Department of Finance. People expect it and are savvy enough to find it themselves. We cannot operate in a silo; we need to be open and engaged across the entire spectrum of this issue. There is an old saying, and I heard it mentioned earlier today, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. If unity is to succeed it will not be because certain people demanded it but it will be because it was prepared for in a careful, responsible, and inclusive manner, in a way that respects all traditions on this island, builds trust and ensures the right economic foundations are laid and strong enough to sustain it.”
“If we are serious about unity - I believe we all are - we must be equally serious about preparation. That includes asking the difficult but necessary questions, including about the role of the UK in supporting any transition, whether financial contributions over a defined period would form part of any agreement and how the EU could be involved from a geographical enlargement perspective. While these are complex matters, avoiding does not make them go away. If unity is to be credible, it must be planned and properly resourced. Today's debate is welcome in that regard. It must be about protecting living standards and supporting enterprise and investment and it must ensure no community, North or South, feels left behind. We must also raise the level of financial literacy on this issue.”
“One such area we looked at was a potential all-Ireland trade mission in relation to financial services. We also looked at a joint initiative in relation to financial literacy for the benefit of both sides of the Border. That kind of steady, practical collaboration is not a distraction from the bigger question. Rather, it is how we prepare for it. This preparation is not new. The Taoiseach's shared island initiative, which looks to bring communities together and break down those barriers, has been highly influential and positive. It has laid the groundwork that will be vital as we embrace this discussion and as the discussion evolves. It is the largest ever programme of all-island investment and co-operation with all traditions of our island.”
“While many will view these as barriers so as to delay and misinform, we need to realise that our island has overcome its fair share of barriers in the past and we have the capacity to overcome any barriers in the future. What we should be looking at are the opportunities that a united Ireland presents. The Tánaiste outlined some of them in his contribution. In my role as Minister of State in the Department of Finance, I recently had a courtesy engagement with the Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland. While unity was not the subject of the meeting, what it did show was that there was real scope for practical co-operation and working together in ways that could build trust, potentially align systems and improve outcomes for people across this island.”
“It can be secured through reassurance, actions and compromise. Deputy Lahart indicated some of the compromises that may need to be considered. From a financial perspective, we need to look for clarity. Some fundamental questions need to be addressed. What would happen to public services? How would taxation be structured? What would pensions look like? How would we ensure economic stability during any transition? The results vary depending on which report one looks at. DCU and Ulster University talked about a cost of €3 billion per annum to the Irish State. In 2024, the Institute of International and European Affairs presented a much more pessimistic outlook and talked about €20 billion. In 2024, my own Department spoke about a deficit of £7 billion.”
“Only last weekend, I had the honour of representing the Taoiseach at the commemoration of those who had lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme. The presence of the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was a very positive development. I understand that it was the first time she was present in Dublin for that commemoration. The commemoration reminded me that nationalists and unionists fought side by side in several conflicts. That shared history matters and must shape how we think about our shared future. If there is one principle we must be clear on, it is that unity cannot be built on numbers alone. It cannot be simply about the outcome of a referendum or a financial principle. It must be built on consent, reassurance and trust. In particular, trust among those in the unionist community will not be secured through slogans.”
“We are a party in our 100th year and have played a central role in some of formative issues of our time such as our Constitution, our entry into the EU, the role of Albert Reynolds in the Downing Street Declaration and the Good Friday Agreement, something we were fully committed to realising the full potential of. However, I am also very mindful that personal experience works both ways, and while our view in our house was shaped positively, that is not the case for many people who grew up around checkpoints, internment, brutality and collusion, so we should approach this debate conscious of the many traditions that exist on this island and the fear on both sides of the divide that some of those traditions could be eroded as we look to unity.”
“If unity is to mean anything, it must work for all the people on the island. It must work economically, socially and politically. Quite often, personal experience influences our views and our perceptions of life. My maternal grandfather fought in the First World War and were it not for the pension paid into that house, my mother would not have had the quality of life that she enjoyed. My mother was shaped by the experience and always had a deeply positive view of the UK. That being said, I was raised in a house where Fianna Fáil was consistently supported.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this debate on the financial implications of Irish unity. It is fair to say that it is an important discussion and one that deserves to be approached with seriousness, honesty and respect. Having listened to the majority of the debate, I do not think I heard one voice in favour of partition even though there may be differences of opinion about how we achieve a united Ireland. As Deputy Lahart quite rightly said, I do not believe one-upmanship is going to achieve anything. As a member of Fianna Fáil, I am proud to stand in a republican tradition that has always believed in the unity of our people and our island. Our approach has always been grounded in pragmatism and building step by step the conditions that make progress real, sustainable and inclusive.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and Capital Gains) (Sweden) Order 2026, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 25th June, 2026.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income and on Capital) (the Principality of Liechtenstein) Order 2026, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 25th June, 2026”
“I have no doubt of the Minister of State's commitment in this area, but we are in the month of July and I understand he is still to met the ASI. I ask him to meet it, engage with it and work with it to ensure we, collectively as a Government, can deliver on its budget requests, to ensure we have more centres across the board and that memory clinics, such as the one in Mullingar, are adequately resourced and staffed. Deputy Whitmore spoke well about a nursing home centre in her constituency. My father was lucky to be in a good care home, but most people want to stay in their homes. The statutory home care legislation is long overdue and, collectively as a Government, we should move heaven and earth to implement it so that the necessary supports are put in place to keep people in their own homes for as long as possible.”
“I take the opportunity to acknowledge Ms Leanne Taitt and the team who provide incredible respite for families, but also support for the people who go to the centre on a daily basis. They have created an environment of care, compassion, security and love for the person. I will be forever grateful because that support prevented my father going into a nursing home for a long period. We need to see more of them across the country. We need to look at where the gaps are and work with the ASI to ensure they are addressed. I also acknowledge the work Ray and Eileen do in the bridge centre in Mullingar on Friday mornings, bringing families together to support them. More of that is needed because it is important, not just for the people who suffer from dementia but for their families.”
“I acknowledge the work being done in Mullingar to create a dementia-friendly town - Rosaleen Madden is doing similar work in Castlepollard - to ensure people who have dementia are welcomed in their communities, that they are recognised and that we can respond to them in an appropriate fashion. A lot of progress has been made by the Government in recent years. I acknowledge the Minister of State's predecessor, Deputy Butler, for the work she did with the ASI. There are now 62 dedicated centres open across Ireland. We want to see more. One of the things in my political record I am most proud of was working with the ASI to deliver centres in Multyfarnham and Athlone, which the Minister of State opened last year.”
“His world got smaller every passing day and, sometimes, I looked into his eyes and saw absolute fear and confusion in a place that was familiar to him for so long. Just before Christmas, a home care provider in Mullingar, Dovida, had a simulator van in the town for a day. People went in, put on glasses and gloves and put spikes into their feet and, for two and a half or five minutes, they got some sense of the experience of what it is to live with dementia. After I came out of it, I do not think I was ever as scared about how people must feel all day long when they are suffering with dementia. As a community, we can do a lot more.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate today. I acknowledge Jordan and Cian Adams, who turned an incredibly negative experience into an extremely positive one, for the work they have done in creating awareness and advocating in this area. It is hugely welcome. Unfortunately, 69,000 people in this country are only too well aware of the affects of dementia on family life, as are their families. According to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, ASI, in the next 20 years, that figure will more than double to 150,000 people so our debate is extremely timely. My father passed away last December and while I am extremely thankful for the long and healthy life he had, his final years were dominated by dementia. His memory diminished.”
“I also acknowledge the team in the Department of Finance, particularly our officials, who are here with me today, who have worked to bring this legislation to conclusion. I commend the Bill to the House and thank the Senators for their valuable contributions during its consideration.”
“The Bill provides a clear and proportionate framework for ensuring that remaining litigation claims and associated matters can be managed to conclusion by the NTMA, with a strong governance and accountability framework. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to the work done over the years. I acknowledge the current and former staff, management, and board members of NAMA. Through periods of immense challenge and scrutiny, they fulfilled their responsibilities with professionalism, expertise, and dedication. I also wish to acknowledge the special liquidators of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation and their teams, whose work involved an unprecedented and highly complex portfolio of assets liabilities and legal matters.”
“When it entered special liquidation in 2013, it held a loan portfolio of approximately €21 billion, comprising more than 15,000 borrower groups, supported by assets located across 22 jurisdictions. Since then, the special liquidators have disposed of a complex portfolio of assets, resolved a vast majority of borrower relationships and creditor claims, repaid unsecured creditors in full, and returned approximately €1.7 billion to the State, as well as making distributions of €470 million to the Exchequer, with further distributions expected. Today, the work of both organisations is substantially complete. What remains is limited in scale but it must be managed carefully to completion.”
“Both were established as part of the State's response to the global financial crisis and the extraordinary challenges facing the Irish banking system and the wider economy at the time. NAMA acquired loans with a par value of €74 billion for a consideration of €31.8 billion, which included a State aid uplift of €5.6 billion. Over its lifetime, the agency fully redeemed its senior and subordinated debt, generated a surplus of approximately €5.6 billion for the State, and facilitated the delivery of more than 44,500 homes. It also supported the regeneration of the Dublin docklands and transferred significant housing and land assets into State ownership through the Land Development Agency. The work undertaken through the special liquidation of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation has also been considerable.”
“I thank Senators for their co-operation and for speedily and efficiently passing these Stages. I thank them for their engagement with this legislation and their contributions when we brought it through the various stages in the House. With the completion of these Stages, we mark a significant milestone in bringing a key chapter in the State's response to the global financial crisis to a close. There has been clear consensus across both Houses about the need for this legislation. That consensus reflects the fact that the work of both the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, and the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation's special liquidation is now substantially complete and that the limited residual activity that remains can be managed more effectively and efficiently within the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA.”
“It is also worth noting that the interventions this Government has taken, although the Deputy may not agree with all of them, per capita have been some of the most generous and largest interventions of any of our European counterparts on a problem that is not unique to Ireland but is across the globe.”
“The Government will continue to meet. Work will continue ongoing, as I am sure Deputy Doherty will also. We will monitor the situation and we can, as we have in the past, use opportunities to make further interventions as necessary. Neither Deputy Doherty or I can tell with any certainty where the prices are or where they are going to be on 1 September or 1 October. It is worth noting, if we look at the international market today, that Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal all have noticeably higher prices at the petrol pumps than we have today because of the intervention we have taken.”
“It was fully planned that we would use the legislative mechanism that is there to introduce it in the Seanad, assess the international prices at the time and take a responsible and prudent decision, reaffirming that there would be no cliff edge and that there would be a phased reintroduction over a period of time. That is the decision the Government has taken. Neither the Deputy nor I can say with any certainty what way oil prices will be on 1 September. However, what I can say is that based on our track record over the last number of months, we will continue to monitor the situation. We will be back here after the summer recess. I do not know about Deputy Doherty, but I certainly will not be off for eight weeks. He continuously pointed that out. You would swear the only people going on holidays were on this side of the House.”
“The point I am making quite clearly is that there is a mechanism. That is why we have two Chambers in the Oireachtas. There is a mechanism to use the Seanad to amend legislation and to bring it back here. I was abundantly clear that evening with the Deputy in the debate that this situation was being kept under review and that there would be no cliff edge. What we were doing was the prudent thing to do. We were waiting to see how international oil prices were fluctuating over the last two weeks before we made a final call on how we would phase out the temporary measures. As a Government, we knew exactly what we were doing. It was not because of what the Deputy said here.”
“The package of Government support measures, which now totals over €1 billion, is helping to reduce the cost burden at the petrol pump. It supports those most at risk of energy poverty and assists key sectors, such as agriculture and haulage, that are critical to keeping our economy moving. These measures are deliberately time-bound and targeted, because our approach must be both responsive and responsible. The Government will continue to act in a way that protects the most vulnerable and sustains our economic stability. For the reasons outlined, I do not propose to accept Deputy Doherty's amendment.”
“Over 55,000 applications were processed between January and the end of May. Schemes like this are funded from carbon tax. Since 2019, SEAI schemes have provided over €1.8 billion in supports to homeowners for over 268,000 home energy improvements. This includes over 36,000 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty. As the House will be aware, those are people in receipt of the fuel allowance. In the most recent budget, 40,000 new households benefited from eligibility for fuel allowance. The Government wants to continue to help households decarbonise and minimise their overall energy bills, whereas the proposed Sinn Féin amendment would come at great ongoing cost to the Exchequer and jeopardise other areas of investment.”
“ESRI analysis consistently shows that the lower income deciles are better off as a result of the social protection measures funded by the increased carbon tax. In budget 2026, over €1.1 billion was allocated to climate action measures and to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from the unintended impacts of the increase. This was an increase on the 2025 allocation and included funding of €566 million for retrofitting programmes, the just transition and the official development assistance, ODA, green climate fund. A further €350 million was allocated for targeted social welfare interventions, such as the fuel allowance, and €173 million for green and sustainable farming measures. It is clear that people want to decouple from fossil fuels. Applications to the SEAI, so far in 2026, have doubled year on year.”
“Residential usage of coal, oil and gas declined by 13.5%, 4.6% and 5.2%, respectively, on 2024 levels, while energy used by heat pumps increased by 21.9%. However, the EPA also said that annual emissions need to fall four and a half times faster than they did last year if Ireland is to meet its legally binding climate targets of lowering emissions by 51% by 2030. At a time when the Government continues to do more for Ireland's energy security, Sinn Féin wants us to do less. Abolishing the carbon tax trajectory would mean less funding for climate initiatives that have been effective and are proven to benefit those in lower income deciles. As of budget 2026, the Government has allocated over €4.2 billion in carbon tax revenue for these purposes since 2020.”
“Sinn Féin's amendment proposes to end the carbon tax trajectory and pause fuel excise at current rates indefinitely. It also proposes to reduce carbon tax to zero on kerosene used other than as propellant. The Opposition's amendment seems to want to lock Ireland into fossil fuel dependence for decades to come. It has ignored the fact that Government policies on the environment have been effective. This morning's EPA report shows that Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased for the fourth year in a row in 2025, declining by 2.2%, to leave emissions 14.5% below 2018 levels. In particular, residential emissions reduced by 5% in 2025 and are at their lowest level since 1990, despite an increase in housing stock during this time.”
“There will be further ebbs and flows before a new equilibrium is reached. However, we have already seen a tentative easing in the CSO's inflation figures for June, with the headline rate of annual inflation moderating slightly to 3.3% and energy prices falling by 2% in the month. In line with the easing in wholesale commodity prices, retail prices for fuels have fallen in recent weeks. A further easing of retail prices may be anticipated as lower wholesale prices gradually feed through to prices at the forecourt. More generally, while short-term cyclical pressures tentatively appear to be easing, the longer term structural challenges remain. Put simply, we need to accelerate the transition away from imported fossil fuels. That is the lesson of two fossil fuel shocks in the space of half a decade.”
“We have consistently said that we would avoid cliff edges and the removal of supports and that is what we are doing. A couple of weeks ago, the Deputy said that there would be a cliff edge. He has to acknowledge that in recent weeks there has been an easing in wholesale energy prices, with spot prices for crude oil remaining at around $80 a barrel today. It was below $75 yesterday. It has peaked today because of the intervention of President Trump, but there is no knowing what that could be tomorrow. I think the Deputy will agree with that. Even with the peak today, that is considerably lower than where the wholesale prices were in April of this year, at $120 a barrel. I acknowledge that the Deputy is right when he says recent developments mean the situation remains fluid.”
“As a Government, we stated at the very outset that we would monitor the situation closely and reserve the right to adjust our response, as required. We remain committed to that position. That is the position we have held from the get-go. Since this conflict broke out in the Middle East, we have remained agile and made a number of interventions. The last time we spoke in this Chamber, Deputy Doherty said that the price was going to go up on 31 July, that we would be on holidays, that there would be a cliff edge and that it was wrong. He was wrong, because I said to him during that debate that no firm decision had been taken. A decision had been made to monitor the ongoing situation and we had an opportunity to make changes, and that is exactly what we are doing. It is not going up on 31 July.”
“While understanding that the heavy goods vehicle, HGV, sector is a hard-to-abate sector, new electronically charged trucks and buses are becoming increasingly popular in Europe as a whole and particularly in countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands. In the UK, 32% of new buses registered in quarter 1 of 2026 and 6% of new trucks were electrically chargeable. In Ireland, the corresponding figures are 6% and 1%, respectively. Incentivising the long-term use of diesel runs contrary to Ireland's environmental ambitions and legally binding emissions targets and would extend the reliance on imported fossil fuels. For the reasons outlined, I do not propose to accept Deputy Doherty's amendment. Furthermore, the proposal creates a charge on the people.”
“In the long run, fossil fuel subsidies serve to maintain an over-dependence on fossil fuels and to weaken our climate policy and energy security. The long-term objective should be to phase out these subsidies, not to enhance them on a permanent basis. As per Central Statistics Office, CSO, data, fossil fuel subsidies amounted to €4.67 billion in 2014. Ireland's dependence on fossil fuels leaves households and businesses exposed to prices that are subject to volatility due to international market forces and over which the Government has little, if any, control. The subsidisation of fossil fuels can distort market signals and reduce the incentive to save energy and transition away from fossil fuels.”
“We have always stated that these decisions were made on a temporary support basis and must be responsive to macroeconomic and energy market variables. The extension of the diesel rebate scheme to the end of September is appropriate in light of the severe impacts of the fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East. However, we cannot ignore that the prices of diesel and petrol have fallen substantially in recent weeks and, as regards global markets, that the price of a barrel of crude oil has fallen from a peak of $120 in late April to approximately $80 today. It is also worth noting that the diesel rebate scheme is a fossil fuel subsidy, the phasing out of which has been called for by the OECD and the European Commission, among others.”
“I am advised that Revenue has had ongoing engagement with the representative bodies in relation to the diesel rebate scheme. Revenue highlighted that incomplete and incorrect claims had given rise to the delays, as it had to contact claimants to request that claims be corrected and resubmitted. In order to assist claimants to better understand the types of errors and omissions that gave rise to these earlier delays, Revenue prepared a new list of frequently asked questions, which was published on its website last month at the request of one of the representative bodies. Deputy Doherty's amendment to section 1 of the Bill proposes to extend the time period for this measure, with a maximum rebate of 12 cent per litre indefinitely.”
“Ireland's diesel rebate scheme operates in accordance with the EU's energy tax directive and the general block exemption regulation on state aid. In 2025, almost €40 million was paid out under the diesel rebate scheme. The temporary enhancement to the diesel rebate scheme has been agreed by Government in light of the severe fuel price impacts that have arisen following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. It is a short-term and targeted measure that helps to ease the burden of households and businesses across the State by minimising the inflationary impact of fuel cost spikes for road haulage and bus passenger services during this challenging period. I recall that Deputy Doherty previously raised the issues with the operation of the diesel rebate scheme.”
“That meant 40,000 households became eligible for the allowance that had not been eligible before. That was in recognition that earners on lower incomes needed additional help. Today is 7 July and we are focused on getting ready for budget 2027. That will be presented only a few weeks after the Dáil resumes after the summer recess. It is critically important and the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and I are on record as saying there must be something in this budget for working families. Whether that is increased allowances or a reduction in the income tax rate, which is obviously my preference, people who are working should feel the benefit in this budget. I have every expectation they will.”
“The budget will be published by the governing parties and the Opposition parties will come forward with their alternative budgets. It would be wrong to say that this carbon tax revenue could be compensated for in other ways. As of budget 2026, that is, last October, over €4.2 billion in carbon tax had been collected since 2020. All of that has been going back into climate measures like retrofitting, fuel allowance, SEAI grants, environmental schemes from the Department of agriculture and funding for the just transition. Those moneys are being spent in the way intended all while ensuring those on the lowest incomes are protected against unintended consequences. The Senator mentioned the working poor. In recognition of people who are struggling and avail of the working family payment, in last year's budget we extended the fuel allowance.”
“The information obtained in that regard feeds into the summer economic statement, which outlines what the projected tax take for the country is going to be and the headroom relating to the upcoming budget. This is an annual process whereby every tax head, not just that relating to carbon tax - and I accept that the Senator’s recommendation is exclusively concerned with the carbon tax - is examined in terms of what has come in by the end of June and what it is projected will come in by the end of the year. In the context of the forthcoming summer economic statement, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, will outline the parameters for the forthcoming budget. Every political party will then have an opportunity to feed into the budgetary process.”
“There is a cost to some of the Senator’s recommendations. This arises on foot of the fact that she is proposing to stop the upward trajectory. If that change were to be introduced, there would be a cost associated with it. We can agree that is a matter of fact. I do understand that one of the Senator’s proposals is to carry out a review of what alternatives could be used. That is fair enough. There is no cost to a review. That review is already happening, however, because every year the Department of Finance, working with the Department of public expenditure, produces the tax strategy papers whereby every tax head is examined in terms of the money it is generating annually. That includes carbon tax, VAT, PAYE and corporation tax.”
“The proposed recommendations from Senators O’Reilly and Murphy would come at great cost to the Exchequer and could potentially jeopardise other areas of investment. The package of Government support measures, which now totals over €1 billion, is helping to reduce the cost burden at the petrol pump, supporting those most at risk of energy poverty and assisting key sectors, including agriculture and haulage, that are critical to keeping our economy moving. These measures are deliberately time-bound and targeted because our approach must be both responsive and responsible. The Government will continue to act in a way that protects the most vulnerable and sustains our economic stability. As I said earlier, we will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly, just as we have from the get-go.”
“The derogation allows a member state with a carbon tax rate equivalent to or higher than the average ETS2 auction price to exempt regulated entities from the obligation to surrender ETS2 allowances between 2028 and 2030. Ireland has applied for a derogation from ETS2 on the basis of the national carbon tax, which is currently higher than the expected average auction price for allowances. To fulfil derogation criteria, Ireland’s carbon tax must, on average, remain above that of the ETS2 allowance price. Otherwise, Ireland would be effectively opting into the ETS2 arrangements. Pausing the carbon tax trajectory would increase the possibility that Ireland would be opted into ETS2.”
“Our need to decouple from fossil fuel dependence and achieve energy security is even more apparent now, given the levels of volatility in the international energy markets. Ireland's long-term commitment to tackling climate change remains strong. A further consideration for the Government is Ireland's derogation request in respect of the EU emission trading system for buildings, road transport and additional sectors, also known as ETS2. The ETS2 directive provides for member states that operate a national carbon tax in the buildings, road transport and additional sectors to apply for a derogation from obligations under the EU ETS2 once certain criteria are met.”
“I am sure all of us here who operate offices can speak of the huge number of people availing of this scheme. More and more people come to know about it when they see their neighbours accessing it. From my experience in my constituency people are quite thankful for the scheme. It is one of the best ways to drive down energy costs for low-income families. On average we are speaking about savings on energy costs in excess of €1,000 a year when the deep retrofit is completed. As Senator O'Reilly knows, people on the fuel allowance do not pay a penny towards the deep retrofit. It is a really progressive scheme. Pausing the carbon tax trajectory would decrease the funding available for schemes such as this. Rather than speaking about expediting it and cutting down the waiting lists, it would only prolong them.”
“In budget 2026, over €1.1 billion was allocated to climate action measures and to ensuring the most vulnerable are protected from unintended impacts of the increase. This was an increase on the 2025 allocation and included funding of €566 million for retrofitting programmes, just transition and the ODA green climate fund, €350 million for targeted social welfare interventions such as fuel allowance, and €173 million for green and sustainable farming measures. In relation to the retrofitting programme, Senator O'Reilly seems to welcome deep retrofitting because she is complaining that people are waiting too long. I agree with her and I would like to see it happening much quicker but the reason there is an extended waiting list is because it is hard to get tradespeople to do it and because of the success of the scheme.”
“This includes funding from retrofitting and agri-environmental schemes, alongside targeted social welfare and other initiatives to prevent fuel poverty and to ensure a just transition. These measures are designed to be progressive. To give effect to the programme for Government commitment to protect the vulnerable, a targeted package of social welfare protection interventions was developed, informed by ESRI research commissioned to address this issue specifically. As part of budget 2026 the Government was allocated over €4.2 billion in carbon tax revenue for these purposes since 2020. ESRI analysis consistently shows that the lower income deciles are better off as a result of the social protection measures funded by the increased carbon tax.”
“As regards carbon tax, the mineral oil tax comprises non-carbon components and a carbon component, which is commonly referred to as the carbon tax. Legislation currently provides for multi-annual increases to the carbon component of the mineral oil tax, as well as increases to the natural gas carbon tax and solid fuel carbon tax rates. As the Senators will be aware, the programme for Government committed to continuing with the planned carbon tax increases, aligning with recommendations from the Climate Change Advisory Council and scientific experts, to using the resulting revenues raised to support climate action measures and to ensuring the most vulnerable are protected from unintended impacts of the tax increases.”
“These temporary reductions, which were due to expire on 31 July, will now be extended to 31 August for petrol and auto diesel and to 31 October for marked gas oil. The mineral oil tax rates will be restored on a phased basis, starting from 1 September for petrol and auto diesel and 1 November for green diesel, with all rates fully restored from 1 December. The Government recommendations included as part of the Bill are reflective of the current macroeconomic and energy market situation. The restoration of mineral oil tax rates will be done on a gradual basis, commencing on 1 September. We continue to monitor the situation closely and continue to reserve the right to adjust the response as required.”