Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The Minister regrets that she is unable to be present due to other business. I assure the Deputy that the Minister is very conscious of the concerns that exist in respect of the theft of scrap and precious metals and that her Department continues to work closely with An Garda Síochána and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that an effective, whole of system response is in place. Measures in respect of the sale of scrap metal were taken by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in 2014, which were designed to address this matter by improving the traceability of scrap metal. These regulations include requirements to obtain proof of identity of sellers and the keeping of records concerning the material sold. The Minister is well aware of the similar concerns that have been expressed about the theft of precious metals and stones and, particularly, in relation to the potential use of cash for gold outlets to sell stolen goods.

For that reason the Minister has recently commenced a process of public consultation on what measures may be taken in this regard. Among the potential measures on which views are being sought are the registration of such businesses, their monitoring by compliance officers, powers for An Garda Síochána in respect of such businesses and the introduction of penalties for non-compliance with any regulations put in place. An important element of this process of consultation is to ascertain the views of the many legitimate businesses that might be affected by any measures. The consultation process is open until 30 October. Once the process has concluded, the Minister will, taking into account any views expressed, determine the most appropriate approach to tackle this issue.

Other ongoing practical steps also being taken by the authorities include the establishment by An Garda Síochána of a metal theft forum involving stakeholders particularly affected by this type of crime, including the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, the Electricity Supply Board, ESB, telecommunications and transport companies, brewing concerns and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. A metal theft crime prevention and reduction plan was published in February 2013 which was developed in close co-operation with these stakeholders. It provides for an effective multi-agency response to the problem and An Garda Síochána is implementing a range of measures arising from the plan.

The Garda has also mounted successful operations which have led to charges being brought against a number of persons involved in the theft of electricity cables in this country who appear to be connected to an international organised criminal group. An awareness campaign to help address this form of criminality has been launched through Crimestoppers in partnership with An Garda Síochána and ESB Networks. Rural dwellers are asked to notify the Garda of any suspicious activity they observe and may use the Crimestoppers confidential number 1800 25 00 25 to make reports if they wish.

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