Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I thank Senator Denis Landy for asking me to raise this issue. In agreeing with my colleague, Deputy Ann Phelan, it is worth pointing out that the most obvious and effective change we could make is to harmonise the duties on green diesel, which is currently at 13.5%, and auto diesel, which is at 21%. Legitimate agricultural users could reclaim the payment at the higher level. This would do a great deal to recoup the approximately €150 million we are losing due to laundered diesel. I would be grateful if the Minister would deal with that issue.

On a related although not as important issue, if there is some reason this change cannot be introduced, it would be extremely useful if each petrol station had to display in an obvious manner the supplier of its fuel. If a problem emerges, therefore, there is a definite lead to follow in finding out who the original supplier is. Can anything be done to impose responsibility on the relevant petrol stations to repair cars that have been damaged? I look forward to the Minister's response.

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