Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to pick up on the issue of petrol stretching. This saga has been going on for months and we know the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda have been investigating it. Rather than repeat the points that have been made, I would like to have clarity on whether Customs and Excise has got a handle on the chain of supply, namely, from where this fuel came. In particular, the Minister of State might confirm if reports stating a contaminated batch of petrol in Bournemouth in May or June, which was deemed unfit for use in the UK, was subsequently imported into this country. What testing of such fuel entering the country was done by Customs and Excise? What testing of trucks is being carried out on roadsides? Since the problem came to light, petrol tanks in filling stations are being tested. That can be compared to the situation that prevails in regard to diesel which has been happening as a matter of practice.

There still seems a great many unknowns and there have definitely not been the prosecutions with people being brought to justice that we would like to see, considering the shocking damage and financial loss suffered by many ordinary citizens as a result of petrol stretching. We need to see some answers formulated and some quality assurance for people that when they go to petrol stations and fill their petrol tanks that the fuel they purchase is of quality and will not damage their vehicles. While there are many components in petrol perhaps an initiative could be funded by petrol suppliers and wholesalers to provide an independent assessment or quality assurance in respect of fuel for customers and the process tightened up. I know investigations are taking place but there does not seem to be too much by way of answers. The Minister of State might respond to the point I raised about contaminated fuel having been imported into the country.

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