Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
222. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the actions being taken to detect the illegal use of green diesel; the number of detections in each of the years 2011 to 2015 of such illegal activity; the actions taken as a result of any such detection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41022/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that they have ongoing investigative and enforcement action to detect illicit use of green diesel, based on risk analysis, profiling, intelligence and the screening of vehicles.
Details as regards detections and enforcement action are set out in the following table:
Table: Marked Mineral Oil Detections and Enforcement Action 2011 to 2015
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
|
Detections |
1,159 |
1,170 |
1,318 |
1,150 |
969 |
|
Number of Convictions |
225 |
211 |
237 |
290 |
305 |
|
Court penalties |
€643,450 |
€585,250 |
€639,100 |
€782,250 |
€847,200 |
|
Number of Compromise penalties in lieu |
607 |
645 |
630 |
641 |
584 |
|
Compromise penalties paid |
€657,310 |
€733,865 |
€822,744 |
€846,629 |
€733,147 |
I am also advised by Revenue that the detection of illegal use of green diesel is only one element of a comprehensive strategy to tackle fraud in the mineral oil sector, particularly diesel laundering. The strategy includes extensive supply chain controls and reporting of mineral oil transactions as product moves though the distribution chain and the introduction, with the United Kingdom, of a new marker. All of the indicators point to much improved compliance in the sector and, in particular, a dramatic reduction in the incidence of laundered diesel on the market.
