Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

The Minister's reply was comprehensive. I take his point about the rebate and the burden it could possibly impose. If we are losing a great deal of revenue, however, it might be cost neutral. I am also aware that an isotope can be added to the diesel which would allow for the detection of legitimate fuel in the engine. Perhaps that is another way to deal with the problem.

I believe this issue should be dealt with across the EU. There was a comprehensive report on the radio today which showed that this is a huge problem across the Balkans and a very significant problem in Greece. Moreover, it was reported today that Mr. Papandreou had been attempting to get reports on the magnitude of the difficulty in Greece. Given the difficulties faced by that country, I am sure they would welcome the recovery of all such Exchequer losses arising from fuel laundering, which might go a considerable distance towards plugging the large fiscal hole they have to plug. Consequently, there is much work to be done in that regard.

See this speech in context