Home heating oil prices could be cut after Budget, Taoiseach indicates

Micheál Martin said the Government is examining measures to ease pressure on households facing high energy costs this winter

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has a selfie taken as he attends the National Ploughing Championships at Tullamore, Co Offaly. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire

The Taoiseach has given his strongest indication yet that home heating oil prices will come down after the Budget.

While the Government has moved to cushion motorists from high diesel prices in recent months, there has been little relief for those who use oil to heat their homes.

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly, Micheál Martin said it was likely there would be “alleviation” of those prices.

"We're discussing everything in the round," Mr Martin said.

"I think we've more or less focused in on the idea of decoupling that kerosene issue and making sure that we give alleviation to people in their homes in particular over the winter period, because we looked at the figures in terms of the impact that was particularly significant there. And yes, we are looking at doing something there."

Asked if he could commit to acting before excise duties on petrol and diesel rise at the start of November, Mr Martin said the issues would be addressed in the Budget.

"The budget is only a few weeks away. We have to look at the whole energy question in the round. And we understand fully the pressures on people, on farmers, on people in general, and we know the situation has not taken a turn for the better because of what's happening in the Hormuz Strait and in terms of other trading routes because of war and conflict and so forth.

"So we're very conscious of that. We're very conscious of the global impacts on fuel and on energy prices, and the budget gives us an opportunity across a number of fronts to try and take pressure off, even through income tax reductions, through reducing childcare costs, to dealing with costs of disabilities as best we can."

Taoiseach rejects call to flatten White House

The Taoiseach was also asked about comments by President Catherine Connolly's sister Margaret in which she had said that she would like to see the White House “flattened”.

"She is an individual in her own rights as a country. We uphold the right to protest, and that's it. Very simple, straightforward. People are entitled to protest. I wouldn't agree with what was said. After all, [the White House] was designed by an Irishman, so it's a significant piece of architecture.

"So I wouldn't want that flattened in any shape or form. But you know, people are entitled as individuals just because your sister or brother or family member is is in office."