Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the threat that the recent rise in metal theft poses to the telecommunications industry; if he has had any dialogue with the main telecommunications and broadcasting companies here on the matter; if he will provide a list of metal communications infrastructure which has been stolen in the past two years; the estimated cost to the State of each of these thefts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53529/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The protection of telecommunications industry from metal theft is a matter for the owners of such property in the first instance. The investigation of any individual case of theft, as a criminal offence, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and is not therefore a matter in which I have any statutory role.

I am aware of reports of thefts from public lands and premises of metal for the scrap value. Clearly to the extent that such thefts impact adversely in the provision of telecommunications services then this would be a matter of concern to me. The problem has for example been brought to my attention by RTE in relation to metal theft at RTE sites and I have relayed my concerns on this matter to the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I understand that in the area of metal thefts, a number of initiatives have been developed by the Garda Síochána National Crime Prevention Unit.

A Metal Theft Forum has been established under the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit. This forum has met with stakeholders particularly affected by this type of criminality including those in the communications, energy supply, transport, brewery and farming sectors.

I also understand that a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan which focuses on crime prevention and regulation of the scrap metal industry is at an advanced stage of development and this work is proceeding in consultation with the stakeholders represented on the Metal Theft Forum.