MEP calls for advance CAP payments due to high fuel costs
An Irish MEP has called for an immediate emergency EU response to spiralling fuel and home-heating costs
Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has demanded the "highest possible" advance payment be made to farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
He said Ireland must frontload such payments to support farmers facing rising fuel and input costs.
The comments come as protests take place across the country today (Tuesday, April 7) as fuel costs spike due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Farmers, agricultural contractors, hauliers and small business owners are among those calling for the government to take stronger action on the issue, including suspending the carbon tax.
The slow-moving convoys, including tractors and trucks, have led to traffic disruption in some areas, including along motorways and in Dublin city centre.
Fuel costs
MEP Mullooly said the European Union and member states "already have tools available that must now be fully deployed" to deal with the spike in fuel costs.
He warned that people cannot wait for long-term solutions while costs continue to surge.
"People are not protesting for the fun of it. They are protesting because the cost of keeping a truck on the road, heating a home or running a small business is becoming unsustainable.
"The European Commission has spoken about affordability and protecting citizens, but Ireland needs immediate action alongside long-term reform.
"Brussels must show flexibility, and the Irish government must use that flexibility in full," he said.
Mullooly claimed that agricultural contractors and small operators who attended a recent meeting in Portlaoise have been "ignored" by government.
"They took the responsible decision to form a committee and seek urgent engagement with government before escalating to protest.
"A detailed letter was sent, but I understand there has been no response whatsoever from government. That is simply not acceptable," he said.
State aid
The MEP said urgent State aid flexibility must now be prioritised to support those most exposed.
"The commission must expand and fast-track targeted State aid for haulage, agriculture, fisheries, rural SMEs and households dependent on home-heating oil.
"This is a serious market disturbance and must be treated as such," he said.
Mullooly also called for a new EU-level emergency funding response, adding that taxation must form a key role.
"The commission must clarify and expand VAT flexibility for household energy costs, and the Irish government must use every available option.
"At the same time, fuel taxation must be reduced wherever possible. If flexibility exists, it must be used," he said.
The MEP added that home-heating oil must be treated as a priority issue in Ireland.
"In rural Ireland, kerosene is not a luxury - it is how people heat their homes.
"Older people and families on fixed incomes cannot be left behind. We need immediate relief on home-heating costs," he said.
