Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Finance if he proceeds with the idea of one colour diesel with a rebate to the agricultural and industrial sectors, the length of time it will take for the rebate to be refunded and for users who have on-road and off-road vehicles the way he will differentiate between the two and the way it will be policed. [36630/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Revenue continuously keeps under review the effectiveness of legislation and regulations in relation to combating the illicit trade in mineral oil. This includes reviewing powers, penalties, etc, and making recommendations to my Department where legislative amendments are required. The ongoing review of effectiveness includes consideration of alternative approaches, as referred to by the Deputy, to tackling the illicit removal of fuel marker. General consideration has been given, in this context, to a rebate system. However, Revenue advises me that such a system would pose different problems. It would involve the establishment of a very extensive repayment system, giving rise to a very significant administrative burden for oil traders, consumers and for Revenue and would pose significant cash-flow difficulties for those who currently use marked gas oil. Repayment regimes are vulnerable to abuse and liable to be exploited by criminal elements, such as those currently involved in fuel laundering.