Govt to make decision of removal of excise duty cuts

Government party leaders are due to meet to make a decision regarding the phased removal of excise cuts, which were introduced in the wake of April's fuel protests.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and the leader of the Independents in Government Seán Canney will discuss plans to phase out the cuts in diesel and petrol.

The reductions of 32 cent a litre on diesel and 27 cent a litre on petrol are due to expire at the end of July.

The cuts were introduced in April as farmers, hauliers and others from the agricultural sector took part in demonstrations across the country.

They were protesting against the increase in fuel prices after the US and Israel attacked Iran.

Since the introduction of the cuts, oil prices are now back to where they were before the outbreak of war in Iran.

The Coalition leaders are likely to sign off on a graduated phasing out of the supports over three stages between 1 August and Budget Day in October.

However, the move is to face political opposition, with the Dáil to debate a motion calling for the cuts to be extended.

Sinn Féin says the cuts cannot be reversed with those in Leinster House on summer recess.

Aontu is to bring a motion to the Dáil on Wednesday calling on the Government to stop its plans in the midst of a cost-of living crisis.