Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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37. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on her Department's efforts and the Garda Síochána's efforts to combat the theft of scrap and precious metal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1276/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána has in place a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan, which was developed in close cooperation with the stakeholders who participated in a metal theft forum established by An Garda Síochána. The forum includes stakeholders particularly affected by this type of crime, including the Irish Farmers' Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers association, the Electricity Supply Board, telecoms, transport companies, brewing concerns and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The metal theft plan is designed to provide for an effective and multi-agency response to the incidence of metal theft. In line with the framework set out in the plan, An Garda Síochána is implementing a range of initiatives to tackle those involved in this form of criminality. This includes relevant actions under Operation Fiacla which is targeting in particular mobile gangs involved in burglary and other property crime, including metal theft. Operation Fiacla adopts a focused, targeted and co­ordinated approach to investigating mobile and organised criminal groups throughout the jurisdiction. It is primarily an intelligence led operation with local, regional and national units all playing a key role. The operation has had many successes in terms of disrupting those involved in this type of criminality and, as of 31 December 2014, has led to the arrest of 11,688 persons with charges being brought against 6,711 persons.

With regard to the theft and sale of precious metals, and concerns in relation to 'cash for gold' outlets, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána investigates all reports where persons suspected of being involved in burglaries may be using cash for gold outlets to liquidate stolen property. Where relevant issues are highlighted, investigations are conducted to target any criminality.

I can also inform the Deputy that I am committed to examining the best approach to regulation in the area of cash for gold business providers, having regard to the potentially significant impact on legitimate businesses. It is important to recognise that any legislation in this area would have a potentially significant impact on a broad range of businesses. There are a large number of legitimate businesses such as jewellers, antique dealers etc., as well as ‘cash for gold’ outlets that would be impacted upon. As the regulatory and resource burden of any proposed measure will have to be carefully examined to ensure that it is proportionate to the matter being addressed I have asked officials in my Department to carry out a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) which will facilitate a process of consultation with groups likely to be affected. The current position is that my Department is finalising a RIA which will comprise a detailed and systematic appraisal of the potential impacts of any proposed regulation in order to assess whether the regulation is likely to achieve the desired objectives and the potential costs that will arise. It is my intention to publish this RIA for consultation in the near future.