asked the Minister for Justice what steps the Garda Síochána are taking to bring unlicensed money-lenders before the courts in view of the public disquiet recently expressed in Waterford on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Unlicensed Money-lenders.
53.
The Garda in Waterford have been aware, for several months, of rumours and allegations that there was some unlicensed moneylending going on in the city and, though no complaint has at any time been made to them, they have been conducting inquiries. So far, no evidence to justify a prosecution has been forthcoming.
Would the Minister consider contacting the principals of the Waterford Community Service Centre for evidence? They made a public statement in the national papers last week to that effect. It is causing quite an amount of national concern.
I have said that the Garda have been making inquiries. If there is some person who can give other information about this practice, prosecutions will follow if evidence is available.