Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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564. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the retail crime strategy; the timeline for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35524/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I want to assure the Deputy that this Government takes the issue of retail crime extremely seriously. I am acutely aware of the very real impact that this type of offending has on business owners, staff, and customers across the country.

Retail crime is not a victimless offence. It undermines livelihoods, affects community confidence, and in many cases causes serious personal trauma to frontline workers.

In response to growing concern, my Department is currently progressing work to develop a Retail Crime Strategy. An evidence-based framework to tackling the complex and evolving nature of retail crime will be considered, including enforcement operations, preventative measures and supports for retail workers.

The development of this strategy will require collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and representatives of the retail sector. I have already engaged with the retail sector, most notably at the Retail Forum which I co-chaired with the Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy on 7 May. Retail crime prevention was the central focus of this meeting and my officials continue to engage with the Forum in relation to this matter.

The strategy will also align with operational measures already underway, including Operation Táirge, launched in December 2023 by An Garda Síochána to target organised retail crime. The scale of enforcement under Operation Táirge is significant: across 2024, over 8,000 arrests and more than 20,000 charges or summonses have been recorded. This sends a clear message that retail crime will be met with a robust and coordinated response. My Department is working to develop the strategy over the course of this year.