Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cash for gold companies that currently exist here; the number of new cash for gold companies that have been established in the past two years; the industry specific regulations by which these companies are regulated; his views on whether this industry requires some industry specific regulations; his plans to introduce industry specific regulations to address growing levels of crime involving the theft of jewellery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31095/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not maintain official statistics on the number of cash for gold companies.

As regards the possible link between this trade and criminality I understand that my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality is finalising a report on the "Cash for Gold" trade. I also understand from my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality that his Department has been in contact with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána with a view to monitoring the situation. The Commissioner has reported that all "Cash for Gold" premises have been visited by An Garda Síochána and the operators of these businesses have been made aware of their responsibilities and obligations with regard to purchasing gold and jewellery.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of scrap, iron and metal yard companies that currently exist here; the number of new companies that have been established in the past two years; the industry specific regulations by which these companies are regulated; his views on whether this industry requires some industry specific regulations; his plans to introduce same to address growing levels of crime involving the theft of scrap metals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31096/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not maintain official statistics on the number of scrap, iron and metal yard companies. Neither does my Department have any sector specific regulations in relation to these companies. Insofar as there is a possible link between such companies and criminality the appropriate authority for dealing with such criminality would be An Garda Síochána to whom all thefts of scrap metals should be reported.