Sinn Féin urges Dáil recall to block fuel excise duty hikes

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to recall the Dáil from its summer recess to prevent scheduled increases in fuel excise duties. The planned changes, set for September 1st, involve adding nine cents per litre to petrol and ten cents per litre to diesel. These increases represent the phased removal of a €750 million support package originally implemented following national fuel protests in April.

Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty noted that fuel prices have risen sharply, with diesel averaging €1.92 per litre and petrol at €1.84. The party argues that an early recall would allow the Dáil to pass a financial resolution to stop the price hikes, which they claim put undue pressure on workers, families, and businesses.

Pressure is mounting from within the government as well. A coalition of rural TDs has lobbied Tánaiste Simon Harris to stall the increases, citing concerns over the disproportionate impact on transport-heavy industries and low-income households. While the government is reportedly monitoring the situation, no official policy decisions regarding a delay have been finalized.