Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Seanad has frequently discussed illegal activity, including smuggling and diesel laundering. A new and sinister activity known as petrol stretching, which involves the mixing of kerosine with petrol, is reaching epidemic proportions in western and Border counties. This fuel is causing severe damage to vehicles, imposing significant financial burdens on people and putting livelihoods at risk. A question arises as to who is liable in the event of a vehicle being severely damaged. Is it the owner of the petrol station or the supplier of the illegal fuel? In some cases, insurance companies are not accepting liability, which is a major issue. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality on identifying what can be done to curb this activity as it is costing many people a great deal of money.

A system of quality assurance for fuels, including an inspection regime, is required to provide customers on garage forecourts the certainty that the fuel they are purchasing is good and has not been interfered with. This sinister activity must be nipped in the bud before it spreads further. I understand, 350 people attended a public meeting to highlight the issue in Swinford, County Mayo. I call on the Ministers for Justice and Equality and Environment, Community and Local Government to take the matter in hand as a matter of urgency by putting the people involved in the activity out of business. While diesel laundering has been addressed with considerable success, this new practice will cause even greater damage to many people.