Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
200. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason businesses using diesel gas are excluded from the business users support scheme for kerosene, given many businesses utilise diesel gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51725/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 6th September this year, Minister Coveney launched the Business Users Support Scheme for Kerosene to provide support to businesses that were impacted by significant increases in the cost of this fuel following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The scheme provided eligible businesses with a payment to reimburse them for half of their increased costs in the period from 1st March to 31st December 2022, compared to the equivalent period in 2021.
The implementation of this scheme delivered on a commitment made earlier this year to ensure that businesses that rely on kerosene for heating purposes are supported in the same manner as those that have already received support in respect of increased electricity and natural gas costs under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme.
As part of a review of the operation of TBESS, my Department carried out a series of consultations regarding the possibility of extending supports to businesses that use energy sources other than electricity or natural gas for heating.
The result of these consultations was that cost increases in Kerosene and LPG were identified as being of greatest concern to businesses. The possibility of including LPG in the scheme was considered, but the available data showed that the cost of this fuel only increased by 19% during 2022.
Data on Kerosene usage showed that the price increased by an average of 89% in 2022, which justified the development of a scheme for businesses that rely on kerosene. Cost increases in diesel gas were not raised as a concern during the consultation process and no representations were made to my Department in respect of this fuel during the development of BUSSK.
