Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief as most of the issues have been mentioned and there is no point going over old ground. Diesel laundering is a serious crime. As Senator Byrne said, it is not a victimless crime and it significantly impacts our communities, businesses and the economy. I commend the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Revenue Commissioners on their significant successes. CAB is a vital element in combating criminal gangs and going after what these people hold most dearly, which is their money.

Many contributors spoke about North-South co-operation. Has the Minister of State met his counterparts to explore, even tentatively, the beneficial impact of harmonising excise duty and diesel prices on both sides of the Border and what impact that could have on diesel smuggling? As the issue of the rebate has been already discussed, I will not raise it.

The Minister of State mentioned that 96 stations had been shut since 2011. He referred to building intelligence and a strategy of closing down stations. Many people would be aware of stations that could be selling laundered diesel through their experience of damage having been done to their cars. How can such people blow the whistle on stations they believe are selling laundered diesel. Many car mechanics are pointing to problems caused to cars by using laundered diesel. How can an ordinary person report a suspicion in order that the authorities can clamp down on it? That is important for ordinary people who are victims.

It is affecting ordinary car owners. It is becoming the rule rather than the exception that people, especially those in rural areas, are suffering damage to their cars. As Senator Byrne said one can never be sure from where the diesel being bought came. Is there any avenue for eventual compensation open to people whose cars have been damaged? While there may be issues relating to proof, could they go after the petrol station owners? Does the Minister of State envisage any such scheme in the future?

Obviously the submissions for a more effective marker are being evaluated. What is the timeframe for the analysis of this and the publication of results? Senator Moran spoke about Customs officers. I have been driving since I was 17 and have never been stopped by Customs officers. Now that I have said that I have probably jinxed myself-----