asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if, in view of the failure of approximately five per cent of motor cars in this country which are of the diesel variety, he will make an order regulating the amount of sulphur content so that it is in line with the maximum amount allowed in other parts of Europe since diesel with a high sulphur content is known to be very damaging to cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Diesel Driven Motor Cars.
256.
The European Communities (Sulphur Content of Gas Oil) Regulations 1977 (S.I. No. 361 of 1977) were made by the Minister for the Environment to give effect to EEC Directive 75/716 to limit the levels of sulphur content in gas diesel oils in the interests of public health and the environment.
The levels approved for the EEC were 0.3 per cent by weight for general use and 0.5 per cent for use in zones, where the levels of sulphur dioxide pollution were low, as in Ireland. Although the level permitted here up to October 1985 is 0.8 per cent by weight, the sulphur content of auto diesel oil on sale here is lower than 0.5 per cent overall and lower than 0.3 per cent in many cases.
In practice therefore, the sulphur content of diesel oil on sale here is the same as that available in other parts of Europe so that legislative changes are hardly called for. In view of the practical position which I have outlined, a change in the legislative position (which would not in any event be appropriate to my functions) does not seem to be called for at this time.