Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
191. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Finance the number of new complaints of petrol stretching the Revenue Commissioners received from motorists in County Mayo for each month since the beginning of June 2014; the number of these cases where the investigation has concluded; the outcome of the investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9936/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 44 complaints of alleged petrol stretching have been received by them for County Mayo since June 2014 to the end of February 2015 as set out as follows:
|
Month |
June 14 |
July 14 |
Aug 14 |
Sept 14 |
Oct 14 |
Nov 14 |
Dec 14 |
Jan 15 |
Feb 15 |
|
Total |
0 |
0 |
4 |
10 |
12 |
11 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
All complaints have been investigated and, where the complaint related to a named filling station, samples of petrol were taken.
Results of tests conducted by the State Laboratory indicate the presence of traces of road diesel in several samples taken from a variety of locations, including Co. Mayo, during August and September. This could indicate that petrol was contaminated with road diesel at some point in time. The Commissioners have confirmed that no evidence of petrol stretching has been found in the samples taken in County Mayo and, as a result, there is no evidence of an excise related offence in these instances.
If the problems that have come to light were caused by unintended contamination as a result of diesel being inadvertently mixed with petrol at some point along the supply chain, there would be no Revenue offence involved. However, the Revenue Commissioners are investigating the possibility of tax fraud being associated with the identified problems. In any instances where the analysis of petrol samples indicates the presence of illegal stretching agents in petrol, Revenue will, in the appropriate cases, take swift and robust action and pursue prosecutions against offenders. Revenue are continuing to work closely with An Garda Síochána and sharing information and intelligence with them on this issue. I am also advised by Revenue that they continue to undertake 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.
I am satisfied that the Revenue Commissioners are taking all possible action to identify the problem and challenge any instances of identified fuel fraud.
