Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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692. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the legislative powers his Department has given to An Garda Síochána to deal with bogus tradesmen who look to take advantage of vulnerable people; if his Department has given consideration to launching a public awareness campaign around the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38950/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that all people, especially those most vulnerable, across Ireland are safe.

The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 covers various forms of fraud.

Section 6 of the Act, 'Making gain or causing loss by deception', provides that where a person who dishonestly, with the intention of making a gain for himself or herself or another, or of causing loss to another, by any deception induces another to do or refrain from doing an act is guilty of an offence.

Section 7 of the Act, 'Obtaining services by deception', provides for penalties of up to five years of imprisonment and/or fines. This section makes it an offence for any person to dishonestly make a gain for themselves or others, or cause loss to another, by any means of deception.

Section 56 of the Act also provides for Courts to order restitution of funds and transfers of property from the convicted person to the victim.

There are numerous crime prevention information campaigns published by An Garda Síochána that are also of assistance in providing vulnerable people with valuable information to assist in combatting and preventing crimes such as ‘Personal Safety - Bogus Traders/Callers’ as well as Community Policing based initiatives such as the Community Text Alert scheme which was designed in consultation with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and the Irish Farmers Association.

An Garda Síochána utilises social media channels and Crimecall to promote crime prevention and safety advices across many topics, including personal safety, crime prevention, and home security. An example of this is the topic of “Bogus Callers/Traders” being covered on the January 2025 episode.

A Crime Prevention Officer is also assigned to each Garda Division and these officers are available to assist people with any crime prevention advice and assistance they might require. These officers are highly trained and offer help and specific advice to vulnerable groups.

Community Policing Units in each Division build and develop positive relationships within the community and for that reason are invaluable in reaching vulnerable people to offer advice and be a trusted support if required.