Senator wants carbon tax deferred
Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne says the introduction of the Carbon Tax at the start of May will cause undue hardship to thousands of elderly and vulnerable people as they struggle to cope financially with the exceptionally cold temperatures over the past couple of months.
This week, the cost of a bag of coal will increase by €1.20 while the price of peat briquettes will also increase. Senator Byrne says the imposition of the tax will severely impact those who are most vulnerable.
This week, the cost of a bag of coal will increase by €1.20 while the price of peat briquettes will also increase. Senator Byrne says the imposition of the tax will severely impact those who are most vulnerable.
“I see no sense in bringing in the carbon tax this week. This will severely impact the most vulnerable people in our society. The freezing weather conditions over the past number of months means that people are spending increased portions of their budgets on fuel when they cannot afford to. Many people have gone back to solid fuels considering the price rises of oil and gas.
“The fuel crisis that thousands of families face was acknowledged by the Government when the Fuel Allowance was extended by one week.
“Surely if the Government recognises the fuel crisis that exists, they can recognise how the Carbon Tax will impact the most vulnerable. Elderly people will not be able to afford this. For many moderate users of coal, it will cost them more than the property tax over the course of the year.
“I am calling on the Government to urgently review the imposition of the Carbon Tax and its consequences. People have seen their electricity and gas prices increase dramatically over the past year. Last year’s budget saw the Household Benefits package also hit and with the introduction of the Carbon Tax, people are despairing. It is now time for the Government to recognise this and defer its introduction.”