asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ensure that any future price increases in fuel oils and hydrocarbon products are not applied in a burdensome manner on farming producers, especially those such as tomato growers whose production is highly dependent on fuel oil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Oil Prices.
11.
Proposals for increases in the prices of fuel oils and other petroleum products are usually based on external factors which are outside our control. All proposals for such increases are examined by the National Prices Commission who make recommendations to me. In deciding whether or not to accept these recommendations I have regard to the effects the increases would have on all industries, including agricultural producers such as the tomato growers. Such producers, of course, have the benefit of a rebate of excise duty payable on the petroleum products which they use for agricultural purposes.
For the benefit of Deputies who do not understand the Minister's Cork accent as well as I do, will the Minister please speak more slowly? I can follow the Minister, but other Deputies may not be able to do so.