Coalition rejects metal theft proposals

The Government has again rejected proposals to clamp down on rogue metal traders and reduce the increasing number of thefts around the country.

Agreement to legislate for the scrap metal trade was shot down by the Coalition in the Dáil yesterday, despite cross-party support and pleas from rural deputies.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath attempted to pass his Scrap and Precious Metal Bill which he claimed would help protect communities coping with the scourge of metal theft from buildings, lands and homes.

His bill sought to change the law relating to the purchasing, selling or trading of metals. This included prohibiting the transfer or sale of such material more than three times per year, particularly where it is precious or scrap metal.

His bill also included powers for gardaí to enter premises, and seize records and materials.

The Tipperary South TD’s proposals to regulate the scrap metal industry comes after a number of robberies nationwide of metal from railway tracks, telecoms masts and listed buildings.

Responding to the proposals, the Government said it was conscious of public concerns about burglaries in homes, the theft of cattle grids from farms and the damage done to historic buildings arising from the theft of roofing materials.

But European Affairs Minister Paschal Donohoe, speaking on behalf of the justice minister, said gardaí had said the current criminal law was adequate.

Tighter legislation may be needed though, he conceded, on issues such as metal dealers or buyers having identity numbers and transactions being recorded.