Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken by the Garda to deal with the problem of illegal diesel being sold to reputable outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30795/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The collection of Mineral Oil Tax and tackling the illicit trade in fuel products are primarily matters for the Revenue Commissioners.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are very aware of the threat to the Exchequer posed by the laundering of markers from mineral oil and the onward sale and supply of the laundered product as auto diesel.

In response, the Revenue Commissioners employ a broad range of compliance and enforcement strategies to detect and counteract illegal practices involving mineral oils.

I am further advised that these strategies continue to be successful in tackling this form of criminal activity with the ongoing detection of oil laundering plants, the seizure of laundered oil and the detection of retailers found dealing in laundered oil, as well as the detection of haulage companies who are using it in their vehicles.

The Revenue Commissioners are also aware of the existence of a number of unlicensed or suspect retail outlets offering low price diesel. In this regard, Revenue has embarked on a vigorous campaign targeting specific locations nationwide. This action has resulted in a number of these outlets closing down. Evidence regarding the sale of illegal diesel through reputable outlets has not yet been established.

The Revenue Commissioners are fully supported in this area of work by An Garda Síochána. Searches are regularly undertaken by members of An Garda Síochána, at the behest of the Customs authorities as part of intelligence-led operations led by Customs, which have resulted in a number of significant seizures of diesel and the closure of diesel-laundering plants, particularly in border counties.

As an example of this co-operation, a recent multi-agency operation involving An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners resulted in the seizure of approximately 110,000 litres of diesel, the search and closure of a sophisticated diesel laundering plant, the arrest of four persons, and the search and closure of five filling stations at locations in Dublin and the Midlands.

Furthermore, a Cross Border Task Force, comprising representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, HM Revenue Customs, the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency, An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Service) has been established.

Arising from the work of this Task Force, a number of groups involved in the laundering and distribution of illegal fuels, operating in both jurisdictions, have been identified and are now being specifically targeted for investigation by all law enforcement agencies concerned.

I can assure the Deputy that our law enforcement agencies continue to tackle, within their respective remits, the problem of illegal diesel .