Tom Shehan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Mar a déarfaí, ní mar a shíltear a bhítear. The difference in the price of diesel charged at fuel outlets in County Kerry can be up to 10 cent. People can draw their own conclusions from that. Last week, I purchased fuel at a garage in Limerick on my journey home. On Monday, my car started to shudder and when I visited my mechanic he asked whether I had bought diesel at the outlet where I normally buy it. When I informed him that I had bought it in Limerick he told me that was the problem and asked me to fill the tank at the supplier where I always buy diesel. I did so and this appears to have rectified the matter. I hope there has not been any serious damage to the engine. This happened to me as recently as last week.

The Minister of State noted the fines that have been imposed for fuel laundering. The best way to address this issue is in the courts. The fine in cases where the value of the goods seized is more than €250,000 may be up to three times the value of the goods. The way the buckos involved in diesel laundering appear to operate is that they will use one tanker at a time to ensure the value of the goods remains under the €250,000 threshold. If they are caught, the sentences or fines they receive will not be as significant as they would be in the case of a larger operation. The Legislature should increase fines and sentences for diesel laundering.

Senator Moran outlined the way in which her husband, who is in the motor trade, is dealing with the issue. Greed is the reason for diesel laundering. If a garage is found to be selling laundered diesel, it should be shut down and the owner never again be permitted to hold a licence to sell fuel. This is a worthwhile debate but we, as legislators, must take steps to crush those involved in the trade in illicit fuels. While Revenue is doing an excellent job, the Oireachtas must support the efforts it and the Garda Síochána are making to stamp out this activity.