asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of complaints regarding persons who masquerade as representatives of charitable organisations for door-to-door collections; and if he will take all steps possible to prevent this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Door-to-Door Collectors.
61.
In the last two years, the Garda Síochána in Dublin have investigated over 100 complaints of this kind and have instituted proceedings in 62 cases. There have also been a few prosecutions in other parts of the country.
Apart from prosecuting offenders, the Garda Síochána have repeatedly drawn the attention of the public to the risk of being defrauded by unidentified collectors of this kind. These warnings have been given in the newspapers and on television and radio.
Some recent complaints are at present under investigation by the Garda Síochána.
Would the Minister consider, in that context, circulating the legitimate charitable organisations and exhorting them to provide authorised collectors with proper identification documents?
I had a deputation quite recently from representative people in this city—I think during the past ten days—and I have undertaken to look into the different aspects of this matter.