Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Taoiseach further to previous parliamentary questions (details supplied) the Department which holds responsibility for the matter. [12047/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans at present to introduce legislation to regulate the sector mentioned by the Deputy.

In relation to alleged intimidation of persons owing money by "criminal" debt collectors, the Deputy will be aware from previous replies from Ministers on the matter that such alleged intimidation and threatening behaviour of debt collectors, as with such behaviour by any other persons, would seem to come within the scope of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 and persons convicted of committing it are liable to fines and jail sentences. Any person who is threatened or intimidated by debt collectors, or who is aware of such threats or intimidation, should report the matter to the Garda, who will take appropriate action.