Ministers won’t bite the bullet on fuels tax

THE rejection by Government ministers Noel Dempsey and Dick Roche of the ESRI recommendations on the introduction of carbon tax on fuels is alarming.

These ministers obviously think they are more expert in matters economic than the ESRI, whose stated mission is to produce high quality research relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development.

If this is indeed the case, then there is no further need for the work of the ESRI, and so it should be dissolved with all monies saved redirected to more worthwhile projects.

Or perhaps all that is needed is for the ESRI to be renamed the ‘Economical’ Social Research Institute, given that it has now proven to be economical in its consideration of the welfare of Government ministers in future elections.

No, let’s not risk political survival for a sensible long-term strategy on fuel.

Brendan MacQuillan

Mansfieldstown

Castlebellingham

Co Louth