Written Answers Nos 31-50
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures that the Government plans to take in order to achieve the 80% reduction in emissions on 1990 levels by 2050, in line with our EU commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3645/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU commitments, is well understood by Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development, published in April 2014 , and in the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill 2015, published last week. The National Policy Position provides a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. Proposed statutory authority for the plans is set out in the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill 2015.
In anticipation of enactment of the planned legislation, work is already underway on developing a low-carbon plan - the National Mitigation Plan - the primary objective of which will be to track implementation of measures already underway and identify additional measures over the longer term to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and progress the overall national low carbon transition agenda to 2050. I am satisfied that Ireland is on course to comply with the annual mitigation targets under the 2009 EU Effort-Sharing Decision (406/2009/EC) in the first half of the 2013-2020 compliance period. However, there will be a significant compliance challenge in the years 2017-2020 and therefore the first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan will place particular focus on putting the necessary measures in place to address the challenge arising in that period, but also in terms of planning ahead to ensure that appropriate policies and measures will be in place beyond that. It is also important to note that the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill will provide for long - term successive planning in this respect.
The general public and stakeholders have already had opportunities to submit views on the sectoral elements of the planned National Mitigation Plan in previous public participatory processes over the last year or so. In continuing my commitment to openness and inclusiveness, I will shortly be inviting the views of the public and stakeholders on the preparation of the National Mitigation Plan currently being developed. I look forward to receiving input from all interested parties on how we might address the specific challenges ahead and harness the opportunities as Ireland moves towards a low-carbon sustainable economic future.
32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify article 9(2) of SI 9 of 2014; if he will provide details on the type of house extensions that will fall under the new rules regarding the 40 sq. m limit; if this provision is cumulative or if it could permit multiple and possibly concurrent extensions, each of less than 40 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3646/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2014, incorporating S.I. No. 9 of 2014, must be construed together as one. Article 7 of the regulations addresses generally the application of Part II of the regulations which deals with commencement notices and certificates of compliance before construction. Article 7 includes a general exemption in respect of works which is exempted development under the Planning and Development Acts. Article 9(2)(b) applies the requirements relating to statutory certification to “an extension to a dwelling involving a total floor area greater than 40 square metres”. The requirements for building control purposes in relation to an extension to a dwelling therefore fall into three categories as follows:
(a) works which constitute exempted development for planning purposes are exempt from the requirements to supply a commencement notice and statutory certification;
(b) works which do not constitute exempted development for planning purposes and which remain under 40 square metres are subject to the requirement to submit a commencement notice only;
(c) works which do not constitute exempted development for planning purposes and which are greater than 40 square metres are subject to the requirements to submit a commencement notice and statutory certification.
The idea that multiple and possibly concurrent extensions, each of less than 40 metres, may be used as a way of avoiding the requirement for statutory certification is precluded by the wording of article 9(2)(b) above where “an extension” must be read as “extensions” where those circumstances apply and the word “total” becomes operable.
I have indicated that I am receptive to addressing concerns regarding the cost burden of the building control regulations in the case of one-off dwellings and extensions to dwellings. I have instructed my Department to review this aspect as a matter of priority and I expect to receive the outcome of this review next month.
33. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the discussions his Department was involved with in respect of the €100 water conservation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47804/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo promote sustainable use of water and to enhance water conservation in households, the Department of Social Protection will administer, on behalf of my Department, a €100 water conservation grant for households (principal private dwellings) that complete a valid response to Irish Water’s customer registration process.
While Irish Water, as part of the transition phase, will have a ‘first fix free’ scheme to fix customer leaks, it is recognised that some leakage may be internal to the house. The €100 annual water conservation grant can be used in this regard to address issues such as leaking cisterns, dripping taps etc. Equally, households can use the grant towards other conservation measures such as the costs of water butts or installing dual flush toilets or rain water systems, de-sludging septic tanks or maintaining wells to ensure operating efficiency.
The water conservation grant replaces the tax rebate and social protection measures previously announced, as it is a more straightforward means of addressing water issues for all households on equal terms and will reduce households’ outlay on water services both now and in the future.
The Department of Social Protection will administer the grant on behalf of my Department. There are on-going discussions with that Department and Irish Water to address the technical administrative issues and the necessary communications with households regarding the grant.
34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the Government's housing strategy; and if he will provide an indication when councils will receive notification on how to spend property tax ring-fenced for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 8 on today’s Order Paper.
My Department has advised local authorities of their provisional Local Property Tax allocations from the Local Government Fund for 2015. For certain local authorities, with stronger property bases, the amount of Local Property Tax receipts to be retained locally (80%) in 2015 will be greater than the level of funding those individual local authorities received from General Purpose Grants in 2014. Ten of these local authorities will use a portion of this surplus funding for their own discretionary purposes, with the remainder used to fund vital services in the Housing and Roads areas, to free up Central Government funding for other purposes.
The total Housing provision for 2015 will result in an investment of almost €800 million across a range of housing programmes, of which €119.36 million will be self-funded by the relevant authorities. Further details in relation to the specific obligations to be met from these self-funding levels will be provided as part of the overall Housing grant allocations process for 2015.
35. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to end long-term homelessness by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3652/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 May 2014, the Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness was published in which the Government's approach to delivery on its objective of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. A copy of this plan is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/ .
This plan sets out a range of measures to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households within the next three years and mobilise the necessary supports. Progress in implementing the plan is reported quarterly through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform and a copy of the Quarter 3 2014 Progress Report is also available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
On 4 December 2014, I hosted a special Summit on Homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the Summit were considered at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform on 8 December and were then formalised into an Action Plan to Address Homelessness which was noted by the Government at its meeting on 9 December 2014. A copy of this action plan is available on my Department’s website at the link provided above. Progress in implementing this plan is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform and a copy of the most recent progress report is also available on my Department’s website at the link provided above.
In addition to those actions which constitute an immediate response to the issue of rough sleeping in Dublin, actions have been identified which tackle the more systemic issues, classified under the three categories of the ‘housing-led’ approach. I am pleased that there is enough accommodation available for all those sleeping rough and that no one needs to sleep rough unless they choose to do so. The number and availability of emergency beds is being monitored closely by Dublin City Council and further beds will be brought on stream should the need arise. Where a homeless person does not want to be placed in emergency accommodation, the Housing First intake street team will refer the person to the recently established Nite Café which is now fully operational. The Nite Café links in with the new Transport with support services for those sleeping rough as an integral part of the Housing First service. This initiative transports homeless persons to emergency accommodation and provides them with the necessary health and care supports in conjunction with other State providers.]
The long-term solution to homelessness is to increase the supply of homes. In November 2014, I launched the Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020. This six-year strategy sets out to provide 35,000 new social housing units at a cost of €3.8 billion and restores the State to a central role in the provision of social housing through, inter alia, a resumption of direct building on a significant scale by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies.
Additional funding for homeless services across the country in 2015 will ensure continued progress toward the achievement of the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. My Department is currently considering the appropriate allocation of the 2015 homelessness budget so as to ensure that Section 10 homelessness funding contributes to meeting the needs in the various regions.
36. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the future regulation of the private rented sector here; the timeframe for any legislative changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3439/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 16 on today’s Order Paper which sets out the position in this matter.
37. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the impact of local government reforms contained in the Local Government Reform Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3602/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost of the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 only came into effect on 1 June 2014. Accordingly, 2015 will be the first full year of the operation of a number of significant changes in the local government system such as the unification of city/county councils in Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, the establishment of municipal districts and a range of new governance arrangements. Moreover, implementation of various reform measures is ongoing ; for example the adoption of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies by Regional Assemblies, established under a recent ministerial order, the formulation of local Economic and Community Plans in accordance with guidelines issued by my Department last week, the approval of new local authority corporate plans, and the adoption of Schedules of Municipal District Works by municipal district members in accordance with recently issued guidelines. In addition, I am also willing to consider further reforms which may be warranted beyond those provided for in the 2014 Act. In this regard, I recently announced further important local government reform initiatives involving independent reviews of local government arrangements in Cork and Galway by statutory committees.
In the circumstances, I consider that it would be premature to undertake any detailed review of the impact of the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 at this stage. However, the implementation of the various reforms is kept under general review in consultation with the local authorities and the Association of Irish Local Government, which represents the elected councils of local authorities.
38. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress on the new national planning framework which appears to be the proposed successor to the national spatial strategy; the way the new framework will achieve the principles of sustainable and regionally balanced development; and when it is likely the framework will be published. [3626/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) was Ireland’s first national strategic spatial planning framework and outlined policies and objectives to secure a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions through the co-ordinated development of nine gateway cities and towns, and nine hub towns, together with complementary policies to activate the potential for lasting economic development in their hinterlands and wider regions.
The NSS remains in place, but having regard to the significantly changed economic circumstances that the country now faces, the Government recently approved the commencement of the preparation of a new National Planning Framework as a successor to the NSS. Arrangements in this regard will now be put in place and this will be a significant area of activity during 2015.
I intend that the new National Planning Framework will be developed in an inclusive and participative manner with all relevant national, regional and local interests as the strategic context for:
(1) planning in Ireland at national level, in relation to relevant Government policies and investment concerning national and regional development with particular emphasis on economic development and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure;
(2) development, by the three new regional assemblies, of their new regional spatial and economic strategies, and
(3) planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in their statutory planning functions.
I intend to make a further statement in the near future on broader arrangements in relation to the preparation of the Framework. In light of that and the need to take account of the public participation and consultation input as to the content of the Framework, it would be premature, at this stage, to outline underlying principles or to commit to a publication date for the framework.
39. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the issues raised with him regarding SICAP; his arrangements to meet community organisations in Dublin; and if the resource allocation model has been sent to said organisations. [3535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin the constraints of the prevailing budgetary situation, I have been particularly conscious of the need to prioritise funding for the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), until March next, and for its successor, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), from April next. My aim is to ensure that resources are allocated in the fairest way possible and to make the maximum contribution to tackling disadvantage, job creation and economic recovery. My Department’s intention is, over time, to use the available knowledge of population levels and disadvantage to ensure that available resources are targeted at areas of greatest need. As a tool to assist with this, a Resource Allocation Model, or RAM, has been developed which allows relative disadvantage to be measured across all census areas. In order to achieve the objective of moving towards allocating resources according to this model, my Department has in recent years worked to ensure that funding is protected for those areas which the RAM shows have greatest needs. This principle was used in deciding on funding allocations for SICAP and I am satisfied that the funding allocated to Dublin Inner City under SICAP is a fair allocation of resources for the area concerned. Details of the model are available at the following link: http://trutzhaase.eu/wp/wp-content/uploads/Pobal-RAM-Briefing-Document-04.02.2013.pdf
In accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice, good practice internationally and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of the services to clients, SICAP is subject to a public procurement process, which is currently underway. The closing date for receipt of tenders under stage two was noon on 19 December 2014. The tenders received are currently being evaluated and tenderers will be informed of the outcome by mid February. Contracts for SICAP will be determined following the outcome of the procurement process.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific query, my Department has consulted with Dublin City Council and it is agreed that it would not be prudent to engage in a deliberative process, in respect of the service delivery mechanism for the inner city, until such time as the results of stage two of the SICAP procurement process are known. In the meantime, I can confirm that interim arrangements have been made to ensure that LCDP funding for the groups concerned will continue until 31 March 2015, pending the outcome of the SICAP competitive process. As the procurement process is still underway, I am not in a position to meet with the groups involved at this time.
40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the results of the tender competition for the SICAP will be announced; the reason for the delay in the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3436/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The current Programme officially ended at the end of 2013 having operated for four years with funding of €281m over that period. It is being implemented on a transitional basis until March 2015, pending the roll out of the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in April 2015. All groups who received LCDP funding in 2014 are being funded through LCDP interim arrangements until 31 March 2015, pending the outcome of the SICAP competitive process.
In accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice, good practice internationally and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of services to clients, SICAP is subject to a public procurement process, which is currently underway. Stage one (Expression of Interest) has been completed. Stage two (Invitation to Tender), commenced on 20 October 2014 and involved the successful applicants from stage one being invited to apply to one or more Local Community Development Committees, in local authority areas, to deliver the programme. The closing date for receipt of tenders under stage two was noon on 19 December 2014. The tenders received are currently being evaluated and it is intended that tenderers will be informed of the outcome by mid February.
42. Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the total amount repaid to the State from fraudulent social welfare claims in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverpayments arise in circumstances where a person is in receipt of a social welfare payment in excess of their actual entitlement. Overpayments are categorised as fraud, non-fraud or estate cases.
Fraud cases arise mainly on foot of false declarations by customers concerning their employment, income or family status. Non-fraud cases are primarily due to customer or departmental error. Estate cases arise where undisclosed means by customers (usually pensioners) come to light after their deaths.
People who have received an overpayment from the Department have a liability under law to refund the amounts involved. Recoveries are not categorised by whether the original overpayment was fraud or error.
In 2013, the total value of debt recoveries amounted to €70.7m.
The Department is not yet in a position to publicly comment on recoveries recorded in 2014 as these figures form part of the statutory accounts of the Department and are subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
44. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to support the creation of jobs in the social economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport for job creation in all sectors, including the social economy, is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. I understand that the Deputy’s question is broader in nature and relates to supports that are available to not-for-profit companies and organisations under various work placement and training programmes. The key programme providing supports to the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors is Community Employment (CE) using a combination of training and related on-the-job placement. CE is also available in some public sector employment, mainly with local authorities. Two other programmes provide support in the form of work placements exclusively to the community and voluntary sectors. These are the Rural Social Scheme and Tús – the community work placement initiative. Both of these schemes are delivered through local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas.
The Community Services Programme provides supports in the form of wage subsidies to not-for-profit companies and co-operatives providing services of a social inclusion nature or where services are not provided due to lack of demand or other factors. Private and not-for-profit employers may also access JobsPlus which provides a wage subsidy to employers who employ jobseekers who have been on the live register for periods of 12 months or more.
In addition, a variety of supports are available from the Department to employers who provide employment opportunities to persons with a disability.
Further details in relation to all of these schemes are available on the Department’s website – www.welfare.ie
45. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on changing the situation where only the person in direct receipt of a social welfare payment receives an increase of €10 once they turn 80 years of age, but a qualified adult on a payment is not eligible for the same increase; her views that this is extremely unfair on those persons affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4073/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe over 80 allowance is an additional payment of €10 per week, automatically paid to recipients of State pension on attaining 80 years of age. It is one of a number of allowances payable on claims to payments such as the State pension contributory, which is paid in respect of people who have paid PRSI prior to pension age.
Another of these allowances, namely the Qualified Adult Payment made in respect of spouses and civil partners, is normally paid where the pensioner has a spouse or civil partner who is financially dependent on them, and who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State pension contributory in his/her own right. In most cases, such couples have additional income or means above their State pension, as otherwise they would obtain a higher payment by the spouse making a claim to the State pension (non-contributory), which is means-tested and has a maximum personal rate of €219 weekly (plus additional allowances, such as the over-80 allowance, where applicable).
There are some 7,750 qualified adults on contributory pensions who are at least 80 years of age, although this is expected to increase in the coming years. The cost of extending the full allowance to both spouses on such claims (which would effectively double the allowance for claims where both spouses are over 80) would be over €4 million per annum.
The overall concern of the Government in recent budgets has been to protect the primary weekly social welfare rates. Maintaining the rate of the State pension and other core payments is critical in protecting people from poverty. Any proposals to extend the over 80 allowance would have to be considered in a budgetary context
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a dietary allowance will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4080/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously notified to the Deputy in responses provided to PQs 44094-14 of 18th November 2014, 47062-14 of 9th December 2014 and 2076-15 of 15th January 2015, relating to this client. The position remains unchanged because the client has failed to supply the financial information requested. This claim is now suspended for 21 weeks and if information is not supplied by Friday, 13th February 2015, it will be closed.
47. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is due a tax refund; if so, if same will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3989/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Limerick District has written to the person concerned requesting the information necessary to determine whether any tax refund is due. On receipt of this information the matter will be dealt with as soon as possible.
48. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if a home that has been certified by a consulting engineer as having pyrite present but has not gone through laboratory testing will qualify for property tax relief. [3994/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe exemption from Local Property Tax (LPT) based on "significant pyritic damage" was comprehensively dealt with in a number of Parliamentary Questions last year, including Questions no. 217 (8212/14) on 18/2/14, no. 121 (19698/14) on 30/4/14, no. 43 (26462/14) on 19/6/14, no. 14 (37016/14) on 2/10/14 and no. 38 (41718/14) on 5/11/2014.
Section 10A of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for a temporary exemption of at least three consecutive years from the charge to Local Property Tax (LPT) for residential properties that have been certified under Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (S.I. No. 147 of 2013) as having "significant pyritic damage". These Regulations describe the methodology that must be used when a property is being assessed for pyrite damage.
Under the Regulations, significant pyritic damage" means a residential property which -
(a) has a Damage Condition Rating of 2 or a Damage Condition Rating of 1 (with progression) established on foot of a Building Condition Assessment carried out by a competent person under and in accordance with Irish Standard 398-1:2013, and
(b) has sub-floor hardcore material classified, by the appropriate competent person(s), as susceptible to significant or limited expansion, established on foot of testing the sub-floor hardcore material.
The legislation in this area is consistent with the recommendation set out in the Report of the Pyrite Panel (July 2012) which recommended that an exemption from the LPT should be provided for dwellings where damage from pyritic heave has been proven by testing.
Revenue has an obligation to act in accordance with section 10A of the LPT legislation which requires that an LPT exemption can only apply where the residential property has been assessed and a certificate confirming "significant pyritic damage" has been issued. This is the only type of certificate that is relevant and a homeowner cannot claim the exemption until it has been issued. A certificate may be obtained from a competent person, i.e. a person, company or partnership having sufficient theoretical and practical training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken as detailed in Irish Standard 398-1:2013.
49. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the measures he will take to increase the tax generated from stallion fees to support Irish horse racing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI dealt comprehensively with the issue of profits and tax yields from the thoroughbred breeding industry, including stallion fees, in my recent replies to questions, including Questions 157 to 160 on 18 November last year and Question 177 on 9 December last.
In these replies, I explained that there was a range of variables associated with the stallions industry and that profits from a number of activities within the thoroughbred breeding sector are not separately identifiable. As a result, it is unwise to draw any firm conclusions from the figures supplied.
The Deputy will be aware that the figures supplied related only to profits for income tax and corporation purposes and took no account of the overall contribution made by the sector in terms of employment taxes and VAT. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that these amounts may not include gains from the sale of stallions, nor does it include profits earned from the provision of stallion stud services that are owned by syndicates as these are not regarded as having been earned in the course of a trade. It is not possible to state the amount of any profits associated with these activities as they are not separately captured on tax returns.
As to plans to increase the tax contributions from the thoroughbred breeding industry, I have no plans for changes in this area at this time. The Deputy will be aware that matters regarding the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund are a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to meeting the Minister of State and senior officials, the progress to date on investigations into petrol stretching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4022/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints of petrol stretching received by Customs and Excise in each of the past seven months; the number which were investigated; the number which are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 52 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for tackling fuel fraud, that they are very aware of the risks posed to consumers' vehicles, legitimate businesses and the Exchequer by all forms of fuel fraud.
Revenue has, since last summer, received reports from a variety of locations around the country of problems relating to petrol quality, and suggestions that these problems are attributable to petrol stretching. The total number received to date is 134, and the numbers received in each month since July 2014 are set out in the following table.
Numbers received in each month since July 2014
|
July 2014 |
August 2014 |
September 2014 |
October 2014 |
November 2014 |
December 2014 |
January 2015 |
|
1 |
12 |
28 |
34 |
42 |
11 |
6 |
Revenue investigates all complaints of this kind and Revenue officers have visited and taken samples from every filling station about which a complaint has been made about fuel contamination, and these samples have been referred to the State Laboratory for scientific analysis. Despite extensive testing by the State Laboratory, evidence of a prohibited stretching agent has been found in only two samples, both taken from one site. The conclusive results received in that particular case resulted in seizure of the product and a file is being prepared with a view to prosecution.
Following a series of further tests conducted by the state laboratory, results were received which indicated the presence of traces of road diesel in several samples taken from a variety of locations. This could indicate that petrol was contaminated with road diesel at some point in time. There is no rational economic reason or fraudulent incentive for anyone to mix normal road diesel with petrol. This contamination could have taken place well ahead of the problems related to fuel quality that manifested themselves in vehicles.
If the problems that have come to light were caused by unintended contamination resulting from diesel being inadvertently mixed with petrol at some point along the supply chain, there would be no Revenue offence involved. In any instances where the analysis of petrol samples by the State Laboratory indicates the presence of illegal stretching agents in petrol, Revenue will take robust action and pursue prosecutions against offenders where possible. Revenue will also continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána and to share information and intelligence with them on this issue.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they undertake, on an ongoing basis, an extensive programme of compliance and enforcement actions to ensure adherence to the legal requirements governing the supply and sale of mineral oil and to allow action to be taken against fraud. This involves, among other things, carrying out analysis of the monthly oil movement returns that oil traders are required to make, and of other supply chain data. In addition, Revenue officers conduct control or compliance visits to mineral oil traders, during which they examine transport and movement documentation and take samples of fuel for analysis.
I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that action on this matter continues to be a priority. They will, accordingly, take all possible steps to identify the problem, to challenge any instance of identified fuel fraud and, where possible, to prosecute anyone found to be involved in fraudulent activity of that kind.
