Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.<\/p>\n
Support package<\/p>\n
The only topic this week will be the fuel protests.<\/p>\n
The cost of a litre of petrol or diesel will fall by 10 cent from midnight on Tuesday after the Cabinet agreed a \u20ac505 million support scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Carbon Tax increase planned for the May 1st has also been deferred until the budget in October.<\/p>\n Separate packages have been confirmed with the agriculture and haulage sectors – with hauliers to receive graduated payments for three months depending on the size of the business.<\/p>\n Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin has said the measures will be paid for from the national surplus – but it may mean less can be done in the budget.<\/p>\n Criticism<\/p>\n This will be far from the end of the controversy for the Coalition.<\/p>\n Sinn F\u00e9in is due to table a motion of no confidence in the D\u00e1il, although it will be largely symbolic as it would need the support of government-supporting Independents, which is unlikely.<\/p>\n Independent Ireland said the measures “are too little too late”.<\/p>\n Cork TD Ken O’Flynn said the Government has failed to listen, and failed to address the concerns of people across Ireland.<\/p>\n He said the discontent around the country is not solely about fuel prices but reflects broader concerns – with a growing sense that taxpayers\u2019 money is not being used effectively.<\/p>\n The Labour Party said the Government has abandoned PAYE workers with the package of supports announced tonight.<\/p>\n The party’s finance spokesperson Ged Nash said the chaos of the last few days has seen the Government\u2019s authority drain away.<\/p>\n The Green Party has reacted by calling on the Government to urgently clarify the impact of the delay in carbon tax increases.<\/p>\n Party leader Roderic O\u2019Gorman said while they welcome the targeted measures to assist farmers, fishing and the haulage sector – the delay in the carbon tax increase announced today means there’s going to be a gap between what the Government has promised to spend, and what it’s expected to take in.<\/p>\n Abroad<\/p>\n