John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to contribute to this debate and I congratulate Deputy Dooley on bringing the Bill forward because no matter what side of the House one is on, one would agree with it sentiments. There have been huge increases in fuel prices. As was mentioned, there has been a 22 cent increase in the past few months which is, effectively, almost €1 per gallon. This is coming at a time when businesses are trying to be more competitive and bring down costs. That is the difficulty. As the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, said, it is also having a disproportionate effect on rural Ireland because public transport is not available. We do not have the Luas or the number of trains or buses we need.

The Minister for Finance cannot be held responsible for international oil prices. However, I saw variations in diesel prices from €1.52.9 to €1.61 at home at the weekend. Even if we pass this Bill tonight and the price of a litre was reduced by 4 cent, it would still be dearer at some pumps. While we cannot control international oil prices, there should not be that variation at the pumps. I do not know why that is the case but it is an issue.

People are finding it more difficult and, as was said, it is affecting people going to work. People cannot afford to go to work and that is a real problem and a sad outcome of this whole issue. People who go for drives at the weekend and the tourism industry are affected by this. I spoke to someone in a bus company today who told me that a year and a half ago, one could hire a bus for €500 but it now costs €650 or €700. That is the effect it is having on the tourism industry, business, bus operators and hauliers.

I have raised fuel laundering on a number of occasions in the House. Everybody agrees millions of euro are not being collected by the State as a result of those involved in the illicit fuel trade. Years ago it was perhaps the farmer who used farm diesel or whatever. Nowadays it is professionally organised and many criminal gangs have moved from drugs to fuel laundering. I acknowledge the increasing amount of detection but it is only the tip of the iceberg. I urge the Minister to put resources into curbing that trade because one would be supporting the jobs of people working legally and getting more money into the coffers of the State. Perhaps fewer increases or reductions in the price of a litre of diesel or petrol could be looked at in that context.

I fully understand the Government and the Minister must raise taxes but one reaches a stage of diminishing returns. One cannot continually increase taxes because, as we have seen, there are fewer cars on the road as a result. This Bill may not be passed tonight but that does not mean the problem has gone away. It will have to be addressed and I am confident it will be in the coming months and budgets.

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