Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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1140. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions for the theft of catalytic converters or for handling stolen catalytic converters that have taken place in 2020 and to date in 2021; the breakdown of these figures if possible by count and the details of the rising number of thefts of these items. [31260/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious of the impact of this form of theft from car owners, and in particular from individuals who own specific types of hybrid vehicles. I understand that the current interest in catalytic converter theft may be directly associated with the current high price of palladium available on the market.

The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 provides for offences of theft, the handling of stolen property and the possession of stolen property. The offence of theft provided for by this legislation, based on the broad nature of the offence, includes the theft of scrap metal and catalytic converters. A maximum sentence of 10 years in prison is provided for in the case of convictions for offences of theft and handling of stolen property; while a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison is provided for convictions for the offence of possession of stolen property.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on the 8 June 2021 to identify any charges or summons created nationwide since 1 January 2020 for offences contrary to Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and whereby catalytic convertors are cited in the charge or summons details.

I am further informed by Garda authorities that given the low number it is not possible to provide a breakdown by Division.

The count of unique charges or summons created each year (combined) is as follows:

*2021 count to 08/06/2020 at 01:00.

As the Deputy will appreciate, incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 08/06/2021 and is liable to change. Incidents include theft and handling of stolen property. It is important to note that not all such incidents will result in an arrest; charges/summonses are reported to show proceedings.

I have further consulted with the Courts Service, who have informed me that it is not possible to collate the data as requested as there is no unique offence code for 'theft of catalytic converters'.