The Irish Grain Growers' Group (IGGG) has welcomed the government's commitment to introduce supports on fuel prices.

The cost of motor fuel is continuing to climb across the country as the war in the Middle East is now in its third week.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris told the Dáil last night (Wednesday, Marh 18) that the government is now finalising an "appropriate intervention" for the areas in which there is "most acute pressure and challenges".

The government's response is set to be agreed at the next cabinet meeting, which is planned for next week.

The Tánaiste indicated that any intervention would be for "a short time".

He also indicated that the government intervention would not be targeted at the Carbon Tax, saying the tax is "not the cause of the current spike in energy prices".

IGGG

IGGG believes that any government intervention on fuel prices is needed for longer than just a short term.

"We recommend the carbon tax exemption be relooked at considering that tillage farmers, having a very low overall carbon footprint, are getting ready to plant crops this spring that will be required to feed our population and livestock.

"The importance of our tillage sector was made very clear during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"It’s crucial that our government support our farmers during this period of global unrest and potential trade disruption," the group said.