Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to make a few comments on the Bill. I thank Deputy Mattie McGrath and every Deputy who has contributed.

I wanted to speak because, like many Deputies, I am a member of a JPC. My Galway East colleagues in the previous Dáil nominated me as the Oireachtas representative to a sub-committee. The constituency's three new Deputies have not got rid of me. I suppose I could say that I am happy not to have been scrapped. I report to those Members on discussions at the sub-committee.

One issue that is often raised at the JPC is that of crime. This is not to say that crime has increased. Rather, I am referring to the types of crime. Manhole covers have been stolen and sold for scrap. As Deputy Catherine Murphy stated, it is not just a matter of goods being stolen, as the theft of manhole covers in particular presents a danger to people and children. Another issue that is often raised is that of the theft of home heating oil. The situation has worsened - not only is the oil stolen, but the tank is also stolen for scrap. This is of particular concern.

According to community wardens, the collection of scrap has led to a welcome improvement in the environment. Fund-raising has played a beneficial role, in that many voluntary groups and sporting bodies raise money for the collection and disposal of scrap. In my parish, the GAA and the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, have worked hard in this regard.

At the local JPC in Galway, many issues have been raised in respect of the traceability of goods, ownership and proof of identity. Stricter controls could help investigations when items are stolen. Proof of identity is clearly an issue but, in terms of the disposal of scrap in yards, the question of vehicle registration could be considered. PPS numbers and other methods of control have been cited.

Although I have not heard it suggested yet in this debate, the idea that something other than cash-only transactions would be used when paying people for scrap could address the problem. For example, cheques, credit cards or bank drafts would provide proof of those transactions. In many cases, cash-only transactions make applying controls difficult. This proposal was made loud and clear at my JPC.

Traceability is an important matter and the issues of identity and ownership are at the heart of the issue. I would hate to see the situation mushroom. Deputies have given examples of incidents in which property was stolen. As many of the rural Members present know, this is a problem in rural Ireland.

I support the Bill. Although the Minister has stated that he cannot accept it, this is a good start to the debate. We can determine what improvements are necessary and how to tighten controls. I congratulate Deputy Mattie McGrath on introducing the Bill.

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