Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O'Dea TD, says the introduction of the Carbon Tax today will cause undue hardship to thousands of elderly and vulnerable people as they struggle to deal with cooler than usual temperatures.

Over the next 12 months, the cost of a bag of coal will increase by almost €3 while the price of peat briquettes will also increase by an average of 26 cent per bale. Deputy O’Dea says the imposition of the tax will severely impact those who are most vulnerable.

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Mr O'Dea said: "The lower than normal temperatures since the start of the year has meant that families throughout the country have had to spend extra money on heating and electricity costs. Although the temperatures have improved over recent weeks, we are still experiencing colder than usual conditions and it is putting strain on already tight budgets.

"I see no sense in bringing in the carbon tax tomorrow. It will unfairly impact the most vulnerable people in our society.

"The last thing struggling families and elderly people need is for the price of coal or briquettes to increase. The introduction of the tax is inequitable and it is the less well-off that will suffer most."

(CD)