Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the thrust of this legislation because, as the Minister said, we need to regulate the sector better. Regarding crime rates, recent CSO statistics show crime rates are falling across many categories. For example, gun crime has decreased by 6% and public order offences have decreased by 9%. Unfortunately, the exception to the decrease is in crimes against property and burglary. These categories have increased by 3%. I am certain the distribution of these shops has played a role in that increase. In Dublin Central, there was a huge increase in the number of such shops. Their concentration in particular clusters must have had an impact on the incentives provided to people to engage in burglary. These shops provided a means by which some of the items people stole could be disposed of. I am not saying that it happened but that it could have happened. The fact that it was open to people played a role in encouraging activity that we want to stop.

In preparing to speak on this Bill, I looked at some websites. As Deputy Harris told us, one is asked to put whatever one has into an envelope, mail it to an address and, if it is a certain value, the company will provide cash back. It is inevitable that will be exploited for unscrupulous reasons.

I will conclude with my third point, which was made by my colleagues who spoke earlier. There are three elements that would play a vital role in regulating this sector which, as the Minister acknowledged, should be done. First, we need a paper trail on any goods that go into this sector. Second, we need proof of ownership by those who provide precious metals such as gold and jewellery to these shops and bodies. Third, they need to provide identification. These three measures alone would make a big impact in ensuring the sector is better regulated.

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