Mineral Oil Tax: Financial Resolution
Dail Éireann — 2026-08-28
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Gillian Toole (IND), Meath East

Comhghairdeas Senan agus a Aire. I support the actions today. They are necessary in these uncertain times and they must be kept under review, as has been said previously. "Waste not, want not" are wise words from our treasured older people.
On the issue of vision, or lack thereof, Deputy Heneghan has been persistent in pursuing plug-in solar, which is not too far away. I say this in case there is any doubt about the ambition and vision of those on this side of the House.
Taxation is essential for the provision of public services but it must be appropriate, fair and used effectively. Opportunities must be taken and I have no doubt that from today onwards, they will be. The teams of people spending these taxes must be accountable, committed, empowered, resourced, trained and responsible. They and their skills and experience must be valued, not undermined by unnecessary outsourcing of consultation. We must remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
There need not be duplication either. In my limited experience as a small business owner and daughter of a family farmer, duplication causes dilution of funds. We do not have the luxury of dilution or waste.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-08-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:52+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-08-28