Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 458: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, in view of his decision not to support the Scrap and Precious Metal Dealers Bill introduced by Deputy Mattie McGrath, if he has any proposals to bring forth legislation to deal with the lack of regulation which is resulting in crimes being committed the length and breadth of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14148/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Reviews of the matters covered by the Bill to which the Deputy refers are at an advanced stage and the conclusions arising will allow for the necessary comprehensive assessment of the matters and the development of any necessary measures to address any gap that currently exists in the law in respect of cash for gold and scrap metal trading.

My Department is examining the criminal justice aspects of the cash for gold trade and a report of this examination will assist me in defining precisely the measures that may be needed. In the area of metal thefts, a Metal Theft Forum under the aegis of An Garda Síochána is examining the regulation of the scrap metal industry and I expect this examination to be finalised shortly.