Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy McGrath for introducing this Bill. We must be very aware that those who laundered fuel and distributed illegal cigarettes over the years are probably the same people who are involved in the very lucrative illegal trade in metal. It is important that businesses that accept jewellery be fully aware of their responsibilities. I agree that gardaí have called to many cash for gold premises and have made the owners aware of their responsibilities. The Bill is very opportune and welcome.

My business was once robbed by a group who stole cigarettes. What they were able to get away with was incredible. They entered in the middle of the day, went behind the counter, took keys for the cigarette store and took approximately 10,000 cigarettes without anybody knowing. When the Garda caught up with them, in a house in Wexford, they discovered the raiders had approximately 120 convictions. They were not from this country. We have enough trouble with the raiders in our own country without these people leaving a trail of destruction behind them. While I welcome the Bill, we must live up to our responsibilities. There should be a paper trail.

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