John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Moran. In his statement he said that, to date, the Revenue Commissioners have not reached any conclusions. That is frustrating for people who have been affected. Mr. Moran indicated the problem is regional in the sense that Mayo and Roscommon are significantly affected, as are the midlands, Meath and Westmeath. I am sure many members could supply the witnesses with details of individual devastation where people have had to buy cheap second-hand cars to get to work. We are being told the investigations have run into the sand, or that nothing is happening, as such. Mr. Moran outlined what is going on, which is important.

Is it the case that the number of complaints is tapering off? Has the problem occurred in other jurisdictions and how has it been addressed? Have fuel stations been closed down following prosecutions? Is there evidence of petrol stretching or is it the case that other substances are being mixed in with petrol?

Anecdotally, the suggestion is that the incidents of petrol stretching occurred in June or July 2014. What tests were carried out between January and May 2013 on forecourts for petrol stretching or fuel contamination? Were tests carried out in advance of when the incidents were alleged to have started happening? How long does it take the State Laboratory to test samples sent to it? What is the average time the Revenue Commissioners must wait for results?

Do the Revenue Commissioners have sufficient resources to deal with the problem or are more resources required? I acknowledge fuel laundering has been reduced as a result of the actions taken by the Revenue Commissioners. If the Revenue Commissioners go to a fuel station, there is an obligation on it to supply them with information on the source of its diesel. The same is the case with suppliers of fuel. Does the same requirement not apply to petrol? If that is the case, could Mr. Moran explain why that is so?