Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
205. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on proposals from the EU for an aviation fuel tax; the way in which this will impact on Irish rates and levels of excise duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31150/19]
View answerI am not aware of any current EU proposals for an aviation fuel tax. As the Deputy will be aware the European Commission has the legislative right of initiative and in the normal course will be assessing where new legislation is in its view required and what form that legislation should take.
I am aware that there is an increasing focus on aviation taxation, led by Member States like the Netherlands, and that the European Commission may include legislative proposals on aviation taxes in the future. I recognise the environmental and fiscal merits of the case being made for the application of aviation taxes and Ireland will engage constructively in any future negotiations on this issue.
