Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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209. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if compensation will be provided to those in the fuel merchant industry following the implementation of the smoky fuel ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7697/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is most closely associated with the domestic burning of solid fuels, contributes to some 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland each year, according to the European Environment Agency.It is clear we must take action on this issue and my Department is currently developing new regulations on a broader range of solid fuels, in line with a commitment given in the Programme for Government.

To this end, I announced last September, that new solid fuel regulations will be introduced from September 2022 onwards, which will set minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland. Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve. Compensation for fuel merchants does not form part of the package of measures to be introduced.

I made the announcement one year ahead of the introduction of new regulations in order to provide industry and retailers with sufficient notice to run down existing stocks, and to make appropriate arrangements regarding supplies for the 2022/23 heating season. Officials of my Department have held meetings with industry representatives and are currently arranging a meeting with retailer groups, to discuss the impact of the new regulations.