Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is correct that from the point of view of the Exchequer there is a marked difference between the financial impact of diesel laundering and petrol stretching. However, if even a small amount of this stretched fuel is put into a vehicle, after a couple of thousand kilometres the engine will be completely destroyed. Hundreds of people have had their engines destroyed. I have given the example of one garage which is taking in two vehicles a day. Second-hand replacement petrol engines cannot be found. New engines are being sought from the country of origin. There is a deficit of replacement engines because of the large number of vehicles which have been destroyed in our part of the country. Revenue needs to redouble its efforts to trace petrol stretching to the same extent that it is doing with diesel laundering. This can only be done by having the proper paperwork in place, as is the case with diesel. I appreciate that the Minister has agreed to consider it.