Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to address the activities of individuals and groups who organise and promote the door to door collection of used clothing; his views regarding alleged criminal activity associated with the used clothing collection operations; his further views regarding the fact that the used clothing collected is not being used for charity purposes as is usually stated in the promotional material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38708/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001 provides for the offence of making gain or causing loss by deception.

Any complaints received by An Garda Síochána regarding activities such as those referred to by the Deputy are the subject of investigation and possible criminal proceedings, where the evidence disclosed so warrants.

The role of An Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP. The Director, who is independent in the performance of his functions, makes his decision on the basis of the Garda findings viewed against the background of common and/or statute law.

Any person who may have information in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy should contact An Garda Síochána.