Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator for the great interest he has shown in highlighting this issue in the House. Given his home location, he will be aware that this is a nationwide problem and not confined to the Border region. The Senator also raised the impact on local authorities. He is absolutely correct on that. Since 2003 the Government has provided €4.5 million for the purposes of supporting local authorities in Louth, Monaghan and Offaly for the clean-up operations generated by this activity. The fuel launderers produce a huge amount of sludge as a result of their activities, and that is dumped in fields and on roadways. Our local authorities must then pick up the cost of dealing with that.

At present the cost is borne centrally. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government recognises that it is not fair that the local authority must pay the cost. However, in addition to the €4.5 million, there is the environmental hazard and pollution created by this activity. I recently met colleagues in the Louth area who outlined to me, through their local authority, the very substantial cost involved in this area.

This is an issue throughout the country. It is an issue for the Revenue Commissioners due to the loss of tax revenue at a time when we need to take in as much money as possible, and it is an issue for the North and South due to the activities of paramilitaries on both sides of the Border. It is also an issue for the local authorities. I assure the Senator that this matter is taken very seriously by the Minister for Finance, me and the Revenue Commissioners. Any and every effort will be made. This year we will see the effect of the licensing regime and the supply chain requirements which have been put in place under the Finance Bill. They will make it harder for this criminal activity to succeed. We will monitor it closely this year.