More protests on the way? Harris says govt to decide on fuel supports by the end of the month

A decision on fuel supports is expected by month-end, Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris said, weighing prudent use of taxpayers’ resources against budget needs. The government had cut fuel taxes after a spike in energy prices linked to Middle East tensions, but the current excise reductions expire at the end of July. Harris stressed there is no arbitrary figure guiding the decision and that considerations will balance immediate relief with broader structural needs. The Irish Road Haulage Association had urged extending supports into early autumn. Cabinet will also review measures to protect universities, including National Research Security Guidelines planned to roll out over six to twelve months.

The guidelines target issues such as intellectual property protection, foreign interference, and collaboration within sensitive EU research programs, signaling a broader push to safeguard critical technology areas like AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotech while maintaining research participation.