Denis Landy (Labour)

That is why I am asking the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to take up this issue with the Garda Síochána. It is becoming prevalent in rural Ireland with a consequent negative effect for businesses. The stolen telephone cable is being illegally exported to Bristol where it is stripped for its copper value. There is quite a lucrative business going on around the theft of telephone cables.

I wish to discuss Senator O'Brien's point about illegal diesel that is being sold throughout the country. I have some knowledge of this subject because I have fallen victim to it in recent weeks. About three weeks ago in Dublin, I bought €50 worth of diesel in a garage. When I attempted to return home that evening, I had to be towed 100 miles to Carrick-on-Suir by a garage man from my own area. I have since done some research into this problem. There are approximately 120 garages in the country that are taking part in this. The cost of repairing a vehicle ranges from €2,500 to €15,000 and the vehicle could require a new engine. Individuals in suits are going around, particularly to smaller units that are not part of garage chains, offering this diesel 30 cent or 40 cent per litre cheaper than the normal price.