Written answers

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Fuel Oil Specifications

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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113. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints of petrol stretching received by the Garda districts in counties Mayo, Roscommon-Longford, Galway and Sligo-Leitim respectively in each of the months since June 2014; the position regarding these complaints; the number that have been investigated resulting in a person being charged or a file being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47463/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that details of the number of complaints of petrol stretching received by An Garda Siochána for the Garda Districts in counties Mayo, Galway, Roscommon-Longford, and Sligo-Leitrim for the period June to December 2014 to date (as at 10 December) are provided in the appended table.

I am further informed that to date no files have as yet being submitted by An Garda Siochána on these cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that all reported incidents remain under investigation.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is Revenue's Customs Service which takes the enforcement lead nationally in relation to this issue and the Service is supported in this role by An Garda Síochána as required. In this regard I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána that all reports of petrol stretching are being followed up as a matter of course and samples of fuel are sent to the State Laboratory for scientific analysis where there is reason to suspect excise duty fraud.

In addition to analysing samples referred to it, the State Laboratory is providing technical and scientific support for the ongoing investigations as the analysis of potentially stretched petrol is a complex one which, to date, has involved a significant level of time-consuming, non-routine testing bearing in mind the sufficient level of evidence required in order to pursue prosecutions in this area. I am also advised that the volume of samples sent for analysis has necessitated a reallocation of resources within the State Laboratory.

In this regard the Laboratory has prioritised the testing of all samples submitted in connection with the petrol stretching issue, and all staff who have the necessary experience and expertise in this area are currently being deployed to work on these samples. If the results of the analysis reveals the presence of any illegal stretching agents, I can assure the Deputy that the Revenue Commissioners take action and pursue prosecutions against offenders where feasible.

The practice of petrol stretching is a matter of serious concern to the Government as it results in losses to the Exchequer, threatens legitimate businesses and potentially can cause significant damage to the vehicles of unsuspecting purchasers of adulterated fuel. I can assure the Deputy, therefore, that our law enforcement authorities are continuing to direct their resources to address this issue.

No.of complaints to An Garda Siochana (Western Divisions) of petrol stretching June-December 2014

MonthSligo/Leitrim Garda

Division
Mayo Garda

Division
Galway Garda]

Division
Roscommon/ Longford Garda

Division
June 20140000
July 20140906
August 20140405
September 20140105017
October 2014059713
November 20140411123
December 2014 (as at 10 Dec)0431
Total02222165

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