Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the report of the committee of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on cross-Border police co-operation and illegal trade. In particular, I commend Senator Paul Coghlan for his major role in producing the report. The committee notes that the extensive challenges posed by cross-Border trade remain. It recognises the legislative efforts made to curb illicit trade but recommends that the Irish and UK Governments introduce more serious penalties for such activities. In addition, the committee expresses its alarm at evidence of the widespread practice of fuel-laundering plants and filling stations selling illicit fuel in Border regions. I welcome the Taoiseach's statement, as reported in the Dundalk Democrattoday, that following this report, no effort will be spared to put the cowboy operators out of business.In that regard, I also welcome the fact that Dow Chemical Company will produce a new fuel marker, which will come into force at the end of March. I hope this will provide a significant boost in the fight against illegal fuel laundering in both jurisdictions. I previously called for a debate and I hope it will not be long before we have the Minister in the Chamber, particularly on foot of this magnificent, well-structured report to outline the progress to be made on diesel laundering.