Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I think Mr. Moran has answered many of the questions I asked. I thank him for making his presentation to the joint committee. It has been mentioned that County Meath has had problems with fuel laundering in the past. It appears that we currently have problems with fuel stretching as well. Mr. Moran mentioned counties Cavan and Monaghan. I would extend that to County Meath, to be honest. As I have said, we have had a problem.

It is often felt that people on the ground seem to know what is going on before anybody else is aware of it. I spoke to a gentleman not too long ago who said he would be able to bet his house on a particular petrol tank pulling up in a particular village on a particular day, only for someone to follow it five minutes later as it goes off to a particular area. Mr. Moran has said that Revenue has quite good contact with the Garda Síochána. Does it work directly with the public? Is there a direct line that people can use to contact Revenue to say they have a feeling that something is going on? Many people who know something is going on want to know why nothing is being done.

I would like to ask another question. Maybe Mr. Moran will not be able to answer it. He mentioned that Revenue has a couple of cases coming up. When it is looking at a prosecution, what exactly does it need in order to be able to prosecute? It seems the petrol stations are being prosecuted. I feel the criminal gangs that are adulterating this fuel need to be chased. We sometimes meet owners who say they did not feel they had a choice other than to take what was brought to them. That does not happen in all instances. Where exactly is the focus? Is it on the petrol station or on the criminal gangs?

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association, which is an industry body representing over 500 independent petrol stations, is holding a series of events throughout Ireland to promote petrol stations that adhere to Government specifications. I intend to attend one of its events next Monday. The association has suggested that independent sampling or testing should be carried out. Has Revenue been working with the association? Is its suggestion something that Revenue would look at? How often is testing carried out at the moment?