Petrol Stretching

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2015

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Ceisteanna (134)

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

134. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 308 of 10 March 2015, and in view of the fact that much of the information originally sought therein is still awaited, the number of complaints of petrol stretching the Garda Síochána in County Mayo divisions have received, for each month since the beginning of June 2014; the position regarding these complaints; the number that have been investigated and have resulted in a person being charged, or a file being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18865/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested the Garda authorities to provide the more up to date information requested by the Deputy and I will arrange for all available information to be forwarded upon receipt.

As the Deputy will be aware, the practice of petrol stretching is an offence under section 102 of the Finance Act 1999. It is therefore the Revenue Commissioners who would primarily take the lead nationally in relation to the matter and further enforcement action would arise in the context of Revenue investigations.

An Garda Síochána is liaising with the Revenue Commissioners in respect of reported incidents of petrol stretching. Information is being shared between An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners and each occurrence is being assessed on its own merits.