Ferris welcomes Minister’s request for hearings on the cash for gold trade
Press Release from Anne Ferris TD
Wicklow T.D. Anne Ferris has welcomed the report, published by the Minister for Justice, Defence, and Equality, Alan Shatter T.D., on the Cash for Gold trade and would welcome hearings on the matter before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.
“There has been considerable concern expressed by my constituents across Wicklow in regards to the Cash for Gold industry. I contacted the Minister for Justice in regards to these concerns and I welcome the report he published today by way of response.
“I share his concern that while there appears to be specific rules and regulations for pawnbrokers, the same does not seem to apply to the Cash for Gold industry. Many towns and villages have seen an expansion of these shops and there are now 124 operating in the State.
“There must be a targeted, proportionate and balanced response to any potential crime that is linked with this trade. Indeed, given that there has been an increase in burglaries, up by 7.9% in 2011 in comparison to 2010, it is incumbent on the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence to address any link with this trade to the increase in these burglaries.
“Stakeholders should be invited to hearings on the matter to assess whether further regulation is needed. In doing so, consideration must be given to additional resources and indeed must take into account the expected scrap metal report which is being formulated by the Metal Theft Forum.”
19/06/2012
Category: Anne Ferris TD
