Mary Butler: Demands Halt to Petrol and Diesel Excise

Mary Butler told the Dáil today that planned excise increases on petrol and diesel must not proceed next week or in October. She emphasised that the matter before the House is a single financial resolution and that the October budget will be delivered on October 6th.

Purpose of the address

Mary Butler set out the objective of the session: to ensure excise increases on petrol and diesel are stopped. She reminded colleagues that no member objected to the recess and asked the House to provide certainty to the public about fuel prices.

Parliamentary procedure and timing

Butler clarified that the debate is a single financial resolution with one hour allocated, matching the time given to previous financial resolutions in March and April. She stressed that this is not the occasion to announce the national budget, which is scheduled for October 6th.

Public impact and certainty

The speaker argued that motorists and families are awaiting certainty that filling up at the pumps will not become more expensive due to excise changes. Butler urged the House to act now to give that assurance to the public.

Next steps in the Dáil

Mary Butler concluded by asking the Chair to allow the proposed business to stand and to proceed with the debate within the allocated time. The outcome will determine whether excise increases are postponed ahead of the October budget.