Garda Investigations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2008

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Ceisteanna (77)

Arthur Morgan

Ceist:

73 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will enter discussions with the Garda Commissioner aimed at launching an effective Garda operation targeting groups and businesses that fraudulently collect second-hand clothes from householders under the guise of being charities in view of the growing scale of the problem, which has recently been reported to net profits in the region of €10 million a year, and in view of the negative impact the practice has on legitimate charities. [40229/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I am informed the Garda authorities that Garda management is aware of the activities referred to by the Deputy and that a number of incidents of this type are currently the subject of investigation.

I am further informed that any complaints received by the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and possible criminal proceedings where the evidence disclosed so warrants.