Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

Will the Minister of State outline the progress being made in combating diesel laundering? This is not a victimless crime. A good deal of revenue is being lost and people's jobs are at risk. Some legitimate dealers have had to close down because of this activity. A meeting was held with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and the Department. We brought along councillors from County Louth, including councillors Jim Lennon and Martin Murnaghan, as well as council officials and received a great response. I know that the Government is determined to stamp out this activity. Has any progress been made in enforcement, the preparation or issuing of licenses and the development of a new marker? What is happening with the co-operation of the UK authorities? If these things were done, it would help a good deal. I realise that lately there has been a reduction in the amount of waste quantities recovered by Louth County Council, from 76 tonnes per month in 2011 to an average of 50 tonnes per month in 2012, but it is still high and up from 6 tonnes per month in 2009. I am keen to hear the response of the Minister of State.