Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
122 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his Department's working group that was set up to examine the Irish Road Hauliers Association proposals for an essential user fuel rebate; the efforts he is taking to tighten up on the availability of green diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33273/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and members of the Oireachtas. This working group had a series of meetings to discuss issues of concern to the haulage industry. I have recently received a submission from the group and I am considering the matters raised. I note the recent trend in falling oil prices and I hope that this continued fall is reflected in the price of fuel for consumers including hauliers at the pumps. The Deputy may also wish to note that provision was made in the Finance Act 2012 for a strengthened and extended licensing system for mineral oil traders, which will require traders in marked oils to be licensed for that purpose. In parallel with these changes, the Revenue Commissioners have recently made regulations that put in place new requirements in relation to the recording and reporting of oil movements. In particular, traders will have to submit returns to the Revenue Commissioners monthly giving details of fuel transactions. Action is being taken also to obtain an improved fuel marker. The Irish and UK revenue authorities published a joint ‘Invitation to Make Submissions' (IMS) on 28th June for a new fuel marker. The IMS was also published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 July 2012.
