I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are responsible for the collection of tax on motor fuels and have implemented a comprehensive strategy to address fuel fraud. This strategy, which includes a number of measures to secure the integrity of the fuel supply chain and the introduction of a new marker for rebated fuel, has been successful in tackling fuel fraud and this is reflected in tax revenues and feedback from the industry. Revenue has no function in relation to fuel quality standards but will follow up complaints about fuel quality, which may indicate fuel fraud.
The Commissioners advise me that many suppliers have entered voluntarily into commercial quality assurance schemes and this is a welcome development from a consumer confidence perspective. Quality assurance in relation to motor fuel standards is a matter for fuel suppliers and the relevant consumer protection agencies and I have no plans to extend Revenue's responsibilities in this area.