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Crime Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Questions (529)

James Bannon

Question:

529. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the sale of metal from burglaries in view of the increase in value of those commodities that is, the price of copper has gone up from €3,000 per tonne to €6,000 per tonne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2942/14]

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Written answers

I can inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has established a metal theft forum involving 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.

Building on their existing crime prevention operations and advice, An Garda Síochána published a Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan, on 6 February 2013. The Garda Plan was developed in close cooperation with the stakeholders who participated in the metal theft forum and it is designed to provide for an effective and multi-agency response to the problem referred to by the Deputy. An Garda Síochána is implementing a range of initiatives to tackle metal theft, in line with the framework set out in the plan, and have my full support in this regard. Garda enforcement measures include activity under the aegis of Operation Fiacla and, as the Deputy will be aware, since the introduction of that operation there have been substantial reductions in burglary nationwide.

In so far as the question of the regulations which apply in this area, and the possible sale of stolen metal is concerned, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government has published draft regulations under the Waste Management Act which aim to enhance the traceability of scrap metal purchases, and I am advised that this proposal remains under consideration.

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