Work is continuing in Government on finalising a package of measures to relieve high fuel costs brought about by the US war in Iran.
The package will include a cut to excise on diesel and petrol and adjustments to the cost of home heating oil.
As prices for fuel continue to rise and pressure on the Government to act grows, it is now clear that the interventions being planned will see prices for motorists reduced at the pumps.
It is understood this will involve a cut in excise duty on every litre of diesel and petrol sold.
There will also be a reduction in excise on green diesel used in the agriculture and marine sectors.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin have raised concerns that excise on home heating oil may not be reduced.
Deputy Pearse Doherty said that despite home heating oil doubling in price, it is reported that the Government is refusing to reduce the tax.
He said: “Half measures like this from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael won’t cut it.
“It is not even close to what is required to deal with skyrocketing fuel bills.”
RTÉ News understands an adjustment to the cost of home heating oil is under consideration.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said in a statement this evening the measures, which also include assistance for the haulage industry and people at risk of fuel poverty, “initially should be for a short, defined period, with the option to renew, revise or adjust them as circumstances evolve”.
He also confirmed his officials are preparing an economic analysis for Government on potential scenarios that could arise for Ireland as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile Labour’s Ciarán Ahern is calling for people to be allowed to work from home to save on energy costs.
He said: “An immediate and real way to protect working people from energy price hikes, as confirmed by the International Energy Agency, is to ensure that commuters have access to remote and flexible working where possible.
During recent yellow weather warnings, workers were encouraged to work from home where possible.
“The same logic and support must be provided to workers at this critical time.”
The Governments plans are still being worked on this weekend and will not be finalised until signed off on by the Coalition leaders at their weekly meeting on Monday night.
The proposals will then go to Cabinet on Tuesday morning for Government approval and a Dáil resolution to give effect to them will be voted on in the house on Tuesday afternoon.