Michael Ring has been defending the new measures in Budget 2020.
The Rural Development Minister has dismissed claims that the carbon tax is a surcharge on rural Ireland.
It was increased by €6 a tonne in Tuesday's budget, which resulted in petrol and diesel going up by 2 cent per litre.
However, Michael Ring says everyone will be affected and not just people living in rural parts of the country.
He says it's important efforts are made to reduce our carbon footprint:
He also commented there weren't enough planes to bring people out of Ireland the last time Fianna Fáil were in government.
That barb follows criticism of his department by Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Barry Cowen in the Dáil earlier this week.
Minister Ring believes people haven't forgotten what happened:
Concerns Raised Over National Lottery’s Handling Of Gambling Risks
Over €73k Awarded To Midlands Schools For Sustainability Projects
Appeal Lodged Over Slieve Blooms Quarry Expansion
Westmeath Community Group Spreads Christmas Cheer To Families In Need
Offaly Bike Shop Owner Calls For Tougher Penalties For Phone Use While Driving
Department Of Education Faces Almost 2,000 Teacher Vacancies
Midlands MEP Slams EU Commission President Over Mercosur Trade Deal Push
Revenue Seize Over €455k In Contraband In The Midlands
Westmeath Global Tech Company Set To Move Next Year
Offaly TD Makes Call For Retail Crime Reporting Systems
Westmeath Private Medical Campus Credits Public Health Cases For Success
Over 300 Irish Soldiers Spending Christmas In Lebanon
Midlands Children’s Services Project Celebrates HSE Excellence Award Wins
Midlands Towns And Villages To Receive €2.4m In Regeneration Funding
Midlands Private School Principal Urges Inclusion In Free Books Scheme
F1 Prospect Alex Dunne Brushes Off Media Speculation
Westmeath Sports Clubs Do 12 Laps of Christmas
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
National Mercosur Protest Set For Midlands Next Month
It Can't Go on - Laois TD Hits Out At Assessment Of Needs Waiting Lists