Written answers
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Gold Transactions
8:00 am
Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the recent increase in robberies in which gold items have been stolen, it is his intention to introduce regulations to help identify vendors and purchasers of gold items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25571/10]
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor An Garda Síochána have any function in relation to the regulation of legal transactions in gold. Furthermore, the informal purchase of gold is not specifically regulated in criminal legislation.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that they are not aware of the involvement of any organised criminal group, in the sale or disposal of gold in the manner outlined at this time. However, should An Garda Síochána become aware of such incidents they will be subject to investigation and on completion a file would be submitted to the Law Officers for consideration as to what charges, if any should be preferred.
An Garda Síochána enforce the provisions of the criminal law in respect of theft and robbery, including theft and robbery of jewellery and precious metals. While the informal purchase of gold is not specifically regulated, the circumstances under which gold is being bought or sold may indicate the commission of certain offences, for example the handling of stolen property and or the possession of stolen property, which are offences under sections 17 and 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 respectively. If members of the public have suspicions that goods being sold or traded may have been stolen, the correct action is for these suspicions to be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
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