Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 June 2012
57 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he will make extra provision available at once to ensure that washed down diesel is not being sold in garages in the Lanesborough area, County Longford, in view of the fact that it is causing financial distress to other garages in the area who are abiding by the law and selling the correct diesel. [27639/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revenue Commissioners are aware of the threat that oil laundering and the sale of laundered fuel pose to the Exchequer and to legitimate businesses, and accord a high priority to action to combat these illegal activities. Revenue is addressing the problem on a number of fronts, including robust enforcement action against those involved in these activities. To date in 2012, Revenue's enforcement officers have seized five oil laundries and 95,050 litres of laundered fuel, together with two oil tankers and five other vehicles. Two people were arrested during the course of these operations, which play a crucial role in cutting off the supply of laundered fuel. Following the strengthening last year of the conditions governing the sale of road fuel, Revenue has implemented a programme of action against filling stations operating without a licence or in breach of licence conditions. These compliance measures, which resulted in the closure of 32 filling stations in 2011 and a further 12 to date in 2012, are continuing. Revenue will maintain its approach of seizing illicit fuel and closing down retail outlets that do not have the required licence or fail to comply with licence requirements.
In the case of County Longford, a number of outlets in the Lanesborough area have been visited in recent months and two have had product seized from them. Revenue officers are continuing to monitor retail activity in that area and, indeed, throughout the State. If the Deputy or a member of the public has any information in this regard it should be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. This important work that Revenue is undertaking against criminal activity in the fuel market will be assisted by the measures I included in the Finance Act 2012 to enhance the control and supervision of the supply chain for fuels.
There will be a new requirement for anyone dealing in marked fuel to have a licence for the purpose and fuel traders will have to submit a detailed electronic return to Revenue each month giving information on oil receipts and sales. Action is being taken in conjunction with HM Revenue and Customs in the UK to identify a more effective marker for fuels. I understand it is expected that an invitation to make submissions in relation to the provision of a new marker will be issued shortly.
