Carbon tax ‘would leave poor with higher heat bills’

THE carbon tax favoured by junior Government partners the Green party would likely result in poorer households having to pay more for heating, a Government advisory group has acknowledged.

The Greens have consistently fought for the introduction of a carbon tax on energy sources that emit carbon dioxide such as coal, gas and peat. Consumers and businesses alike would have to pay the tax, the goal being to encourage more efficient use of energy and lower emissions.

Fianna Fáil previously considered the introduction of a carbon tax but decided against it in 2004.