James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I assure her a range of statutory provisions are in existence to combat crime in this sector. Officials from my Department remain involved in the metal theft forum, a collaborative working group between stakeholders and industry representatives to improve information sharing around the issue of metal theft. I hear the Senator's concerns around the very specific situation of cash-for-gold outlets. It is about what may be presented there, as opposed to scrap metal, that may be used and the undertaking given in 2019 around licensing of specific outlets. I will certainly bring those specific concerns back to the Minister, Deputy Harris, and ask him to respond in a little more detail to the Senator.