Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 38:

In page 86, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following:

“Amendment of section 109 of Finance Act 1999 (penalties for diesel laundering)

58. Section 102 of Finance Act 1999 is amended in subsection (4)(b) by the substitution of “not exceeding €150,000” for “not exceeding €126,970”.”.

I hope the authorities in the State are now getting to grips with the issue of diesel laundering. I was very encouraged to hear the Minister state on Committee Stage that the Government, the Department and the Revenue Commissioners have great hopes for the new marker system, which I understand is being introduced in March or April 2015. However, the reality is that diesel laundering is costing the State an unknown amount of money but it is certainly many millions of euro each year. It is a particular problem in Border counties with serious criminal elements involved, including many so-called republicans.

The thrust of amendments Nos. 38 and 39 is to send out a very strong signal that the State regards this criminal activity as completely unacceptable and that every tool at the State's disposal will be used to counter this illicit activity which is affecting many legitimate bona fide businesses and also depriving the State of vast sums of money every year. I hope the new marker system will have the desired effect. I wish the Revenue Commissioners well in their fight against diesel laundering. My proposals will increase the existing financial penalties that can be applied by the courts on conviction for those found guilty of this very serious crime.

See this speech in context