Senator Mark Dearey calls for regulation of “Cash for Gold” outlets.

During the adjournment debate in the Senate on Tuesday last (14th December), Senator Mark Deary asked the Minister for Justice to introduce legislation requiring the production of valid identification by people presenting to “cash for gold” outlets. Senator Dearey said he was raising the matter following a report from a constituent in Drogheda that following a recent burglary in which only gold was taken the Gardai gave the view that “cash for gold” outlets were being used, often unwittingly, as a fence for stolen items. Senator Dearey put it to the Minister that if valid ID were required on all such transactions it would ensure that items presented are traceable and would make it more difficult for any items that had been stolen to be sold on.

In a detailed response, the Minister pointed out that informal purchase of jewellery is not regulated in criminal legislation but that he was taking account of the concerns raised and has formally asked the Garda Commissioner to, “assert in his view as to the extent, if any, that criminal offences are being committed in the procurement and receipt of gold and similar items carried out in the cash for gold locations”. Furthermore, the Minister in his reply said that the Commissioner had been asked to examine whether the trade could be, “generally linked to such burglary offences” and whether “criminal elements may be connected with the operation and ownership of the cash for gold outlets”.

The Minister assured Senator Dearey that following the examination by the Garda Commissioner the Minister will make an assessment of any action, legal or otherwise, that may be required.

Responding, Senator Dearey said he looked forward to the Commissioner’s report and urged the Minister to take any action necessary to regulate the sector and to legislate for such transactions.