Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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The use of two types of diesel creates a space in which criminals can operate. This causes difficulties and generates significant policing costs. An argument has been made for having one type of diesel and allowing farmers to apply for rebates, perhaps on a bimonthly basis. Under the proposed scheme, farmers would continue to pay the same costs for diesel as they did for diesel for agricultural purposes. At the same time, the scope for criminal activity would be eliminated and the €600 million annual cost of policing the issue would no longer arise. I accept, however, that it would give rise to cashflow challenges for farmers as they would have to wait for a rebate. What is the IFA's view on the matter?