As the Deputy will be aware, and following on my Budget Statement regarding carbon energy taxation last December, a carbon energy tax consultation paper was prepared by my Department in July of this year. This consultation paper was designed to facilitate discussions on the introduction and design of the carbon energy tax while recognising that there are divergent views on the issue. Submissions in response to the paper were invited from interested parties to be received in the Department of Finance by today, 30 September 2003.
All relevant issues, including the effect of carbon energy tax on those on low incomes will be taken into account in the consideration and development of the proposal.