Ireland Taoiseach signals pause on home heating oil carbon tax increase as energy costs stay high

Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has indicated the government may pause further increases to the carbon tax on home heating oil and gas. Speaking before the Budget, he said energy pressures show no real sign of easing and that the direction of travel for home heating is to avoid adding to costs this winter. He also noted the domestic heating portion of the carbon tax brings in relatively low revenue. Energy credits have not been discussed in Budget negotiations so far, Martin said, adding that any new measures must fit within a 6% expenditure growth limit. He pointed to the G7 decision to release 100 million barrels of oil as a possible relief valve, but stressed that ending conflicts involving Iran and Russia is what would truly stabilize energy markets. A Christmas bonus and double social welfare payment were described as likely inclusions.