Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The solution that is put in place must be meaningful and must give the Garda the tools it needs, as the Minister outlined. However, this is not to give the Government a free pass on the issue. In light of the Minister's comments, there is an onus on him to revert to the House as a matter of urgency in respect of cash for gold shops and metal thefts. I am pleased that he has shared with the House his inclination towards increased regulation or, to use his reference, tighter requirements. This necessity is blindingly obvious and needs to be acted upon. I was also pleased to hear that the metal theft forum would report by the end of this month. It is important that those reports be acted upon.

Today has been a good start in the House and I thank Deputy Mattie McGrath for providing it. Opposing it easy, and many of the Deputies on the other side do it regularly. There is a tendency on this side of the House to oppose on Fridays. It makes for a refreshing change. Finding flaws is easy. While the Government must address legal difficulties and ensure that legislation is properly thought through, its job is to be courageous and not just to oppose. I urge the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to take the sentiment of the Bill and turn it into workable legislation as quickly as possible.

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