Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Garda figures show 30,000 thefts from shops per year. This is a very significant increase but obviously Covid is distorting it. It is completely under-representative of what the delegates are referring to. They say they have perhaps 500 or 600 thefts each. There are three delegates here but, between the three of them, they account for nearly one tenth of the Garda figure. Therefore, there is considerable under-reporting. It is said 50% of the incidents are detected.

That is a serious issue. If for whatever reason it is not being reported it definitely downplays its public profile. We need to find some way of addressing that. That is one question.

The second question relates to Operation Táirge, which has been put together during the week. It looks like a pretty well-designed programme. They are talking about enhanced engagement with high-risk outlets - which I presume include those of the representatives here today - bringing to bear the proceeds of crime, supporting reporting, pursuing black market outlets, pursuing intelligence sharing, and deterrents for those involved. They are hitting all of the themes the witnesses have raised here. What engagement have the representatives had to date with the unit there, which is the organised retail crime group co-ordinating within An Garda Síochána? They have come up with this. Have the witnesses been actively engaged in the design of this and do the witnesses see many gaps in what the group is doing? Clearly it is aiming at the more professional end than the youngsters or the opportunistic ones. It would give us an understanding of how the programme currently going into operation is interacting with the representatives' experience.

The witnesses keep coming back to the outcomes for detection . I see that everyone is frustrated that nothing happens. Deputy Shanahan has left the room but I am interested in how that operation worked in north Dublin where retailers succeeded in barring people. What did they use and what were the ingredients that made this a success? Was it within existing law? Does it need new law to make it more prevalent? Perhaps we could just get a handle on that. We do seem to be moving. The Garda has recognised the need to do much in this area. It would be a shame if we do not get our ducks in a line and if the witnesses' needs do not meet their new resourcing commitments. I would like to get a response from the witnesses on those two questions.