Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to discuss this important matter with the Minister of State. The Government has lost a vast amount of revenue throughout the years as a result of fuel laundering. I congratulate the Garda and Customs and Excise officials for their work in trying to stamp out this illegal activity. Last week, they made an important find near Castleblayney, County Monaghan. Recently, I met a group of fuel retailers in County Louth. They expressed concern that the problem is as bad as ever. They are having problems trying to compete with people who are willing to purchase this laundered diesel for resale. It seems that no matter how many people are caught and put out of business it makes no difference to the volume of illegal product available. It appears those who are prosecuted simply take their medicine and then start up an illegal operation again. The incentive to do this is great because they can make substantial profits from their operations.

There are three problems involved. First, the Government is losing substantial revenue because of this illegal trade. Second, the unsuspecting customer who unwittingly buys this laundered product will find that his or her fuel pumps will be damaged over time. Third, the chemicals used to launder the fuel create toxic waste which is doing untold damage to the environment. Legal fuel retailers find it impossible to operate with those willing to sell the laundered product.

In these cases the punishment does not fit the crime. Since the profits generated from this illegal activity are so great, when those involved are prosecuted the penalties should be equally great. As far as I know, that is not the case. I request that the Minister review the legislation governing this activity with a view to ensuring that the penalties that apply in court for breaches of the law are prohibitive. This action will greatly assist the Garda and Customs and Excise officials in stamping out this illegal activity.

See this speech in context