Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I ask the Minister of State to update me on what is happening in the case of the road haulage industry. What is the position on fuel laundering? There are cowboys who are running riot in this industry. Each tanker of fuel costs the Exchequer €20,000. As the fine is just over €126,000, with six loads, the launderers have already made a profit. Securing a conviction in the first place is difficult. Does the Minister of State agree that this must be tightened, with a stronger approach being taken to fuel laundering? If fuel prices are maintained at current levels for the rest of the year, the Government will take in an extra €64 million in VAT. It will argue that as fuel prices increase, consumer demand is dampened and that, therefore, there is no net benefit to the Exchequer. Higher fuel prices, however, have an impact on disposable income and consumer demand; therefore, the opposite is also the case. While there would be no substantial impact on the overall tax take for the Government, the benefit for the economy would lie in taking that €64 million and including it in a refund system for consumers. The money would be spent on consumer goods in the economy, helping to support existing jobs. It makes more sense to support jobs rather than balancing the books and taking the easy option, leaving people and families struggling.

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