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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Diesel laundering and water pollution

Summary

Senator D’Arcy seeks a debate on diesel laundering and pollution affecting streams supplying Dundalk’s water, while also calling for discussion of related VAT and cross-border enforcement issues.

I ask the Leader once again to invite the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Simon Harris, to the House to discuss diesel laundering and sludge, the waste product. I welcome the fact that Uisce Éireann has said there is no risk at present to the water in Dundalk but, that said, the little streams and tributaries supplying the water are polluted. This is damaging to animals in the fields in addition to humans. We need further reports. I welcome the fact that the leader of Sinn Féin, Deputy Gerry Adams, has called diesel launderers criminals who need to be brought before the courts. That is a welcome development after three years of talking about this until the cows came home. It is better late than never. Furthermore, I welcome the fact that-----

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The Senator will be filling in the membership form so.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator D'Arcy without interruption.

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Deputy Adams praised the "diligence" of Irish Water in investigating this and bringing forward the report, in addition to its commitment to improve the water further. Perhaps he will be joining us; one would never know.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Is the Senator seeking a debate on that matter?

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

A Fine Gael–Sinn Féin coalition; what a prospect.

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I am not talking about a coalition but about coming in.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

On what is the Senator seeking a debate?

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It is important that we have the debate because everybody seems to be talking now about the VAT rebate. We need a significant discussion on that and to hear the Minister's views on it. When Deputy Adams talks about this, he is well aware that since it is a Treasury matter, his masters in the North, Her Majesty’s Government, are responsible for it. Therefore, we need to get talking to them as well.

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