Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the remarks made by other Senators in complimenting the local communities, the fire service , council workers and volunteers who played a great role in responding to the major crisis during last week's storm. I wish to discuss a new line of crime that came to light as a result of the storm and was highlighted on radio this morning, namely, the large-scale theft of home heating oil. One lady who spoke on radio told of how, after running out of fuel, she had ordered more from her supplier. He arrived at 2.30 p.m. with 700 litres which cost her €500. Her plumber arrived at 4.30 p.m. to bleed the heating system to get her back up and running, but the tank was dry. There was a two-hour window. It is said people are following fuel lorries around. It is a major problem. I highlight a good initiative being taken for the first time this year by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, under which people can claim fuel allowance in two lump sum payments, with a view to giving them some buying power when buying home heating oil in bulk, which is more economical than buying it weekly. Owing to bulk buying, however, they are vulnerable to thugs. When the Department makes lump sum payments, it is important that it inform its clientele of the risks involved. The oil tank of the woman in question was located in a remote area well hidden behind her house, but someone only needs to click on Google Maps to be able to see into everyone's backyard and find out where the oil tank is located. The perpetrators have vans with pumps and long hoses. The vans which might be marked can be parked 50 yd. up the road. A houseowner could even be talking to the perpetrators in the van while oil is being sucked out of the tank through a long hose. In the case in question, the tank would have been empty had the perpetrators arrived two hours earlier and they knew exactly when to take it. They had followed the lorry and knew who was receiving a delivery that day. We need to get the message out that people need to be conscious of this issue. Being able to receive fuel allowance in two equal payments during the year in order that people can buy kerosene is a great initiative, but it has led to people being made vulnerable.