Fuel Protests: Statements (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-14
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Eileen Lynch (FG), Agricultural Panel

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I thank Senator Rabbitte for sharing time. I acknowledge the real hurt and anxiety that so many people across the country are feeling right now when it comes to fuel costs. It is not just affecting those in the haulage and agricultural sectors but people all over the country and, particularly, anyone who has a car. People are worried about how they will heat their homes, how they will get to work or how they will keep their businesses going, particularly smaller businesses, as they face increased costs. In rural Ireland, where people are more dependent on cars, the pressure is even more acute. When people take to the streets to protest, we cannot be dismissive. There is genuine frustration among the public and it has to be heard and respected by public representatives.
However, as many colleagues said earlier, not everyone turning up to these protests is there for the right reasons. There are those who are trying to exploit people's genuine hardship to push their own agendas and push division. That undermines the credibility of the protests and, more importantly, it takes away from the voices of those who are genuinely struggling and puts our democracy in danger. We need to separate the two and we need to support those who are acting in good faith.
As a Government, we have a responsibility to respond in a way that is practical and fair. We need to listen. There is no quick or easy fix here. Fuel prices are being driven by global factors that are far beyond our control. We must focus on targeted supports that make a difference. The most recent package will make a difference for drivers, hauliers and farmers and that has to be acknowledged but we also need to look at supports for home heating oil. For now, this is about people who are under real pressure and who deserve to be listened to. It is incumbent on us, as public representatives, to lead, serve and ensure the electorate is not disenfranchised.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-14