Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
27. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the impact for rural households of the ban on the sale of turf given the rising cost of all fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55371/22]
View answerThe new solid fuel regulations prohibit the sale of turf from retail premises and online platforms, primarily to restrict its usage in more urban areas where the greatest harm can be caused. Those with turbary and customary rights can continue to share and sell turf through traditional practices. While I am acutely aware of the rising cost of fuels and the impact this is having on households, I have no function with regard to the retail price of fuels. Recent increases are due to a range of international, geo-political and economic factors, including the war in Ukraine. Government has responded by introducing a suite of measures that will be worth almost €1,000 to every domestic household in the country over the course of 12 months. This consists of the €200 electricity credit granted earlier this year, and the cost-of-living package in Budget 2023 that includes three further credits of €200, a PSO rebate worth €89, and lower VAT on energy bills. There will be further payments totalling €1,324 to some 371,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, including a €400 lump sum to be paid to all these households. It should be noted that the Domestic Fuels Comparison of Energy Costs reports, published quarterly by the SEAI, continue to show that low smoke coal is among the most cost-efficient of all options, despite the price increases of recent months which impacted on the costs of all solid fuels.
