The Dáil has approved a Government measure to delay planned increases in motor fuel excise duty, with the motion passing by 104 votes to 49.
TDs were recalled to Leinster House for an emergency sitting on Friday to approve the financial resolution needed to extend the existing reductions in excise duty on petrol and diesel.
The sitting lasted around 90 minutes, with the chamber almost full for the vote. A number of TDs who had not attended the earlier debate were present when the measure came before the House.
Under the decision, the existing excise duty reductions will remain in place for another two months. The cuts will then be phased out between November and the end of February.
The Government had originally planned to increase motor fuel excise duty in September and October. The decision to postpone those increases comes as households and businesses continue to face high energy and transport costs.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris described the extension as a common-sense decision that would give households and businesses greater certainty at a time when fuel prices remain a concern.
The Government’s decision has also faced pressure from opposition parties, which called for wider action to reduce energy costs.
Sinn Féin said the Government should go further and commit to keeping petrol and diesel excise duty at current reduced levels while fuel prices remain high. The party has argued that motorists and businesses continue to face significant financial pressure from energy costs.
The Social Democrats said they would support the extension of the excise duty cuts. However, the party criticised the Government’s handling of the wider cost-of-living pressures, arguing that the Coalition was repeatedly responding to problems as they emerged rather than putting longer-term measures in place.
Labour also supported the measure but called for additional help for households on middle incomes. The party wants targeted energy credits introduced to assist families who may be struggling with higher electricity, heating and other household costs but do not qualify for existing supports aimed at lower-income households.
The emergency Dáil sitting was required because the Government needed parliamentary approval for the financial resolution connected with the excise duty changes.
The vote allows the current reductions on petrol and diesel to remain in effect through September and October. After that, the reductions will begin to be withdrawn over the following four months, with the process running from November through February.
The decision comes as fuel prices remain closely watched by consumers, businesses and transport operators. Any further movement in energy prices could influence pressure on the Government to reconsider the pace at which the excise duty reductions are removed.
