Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-18
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Mike Kennelly (FG), Labour Panel

I am pleased to support the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026. One thing I will say tonight is that it is significant legislation. By no means, from this debate tonight, do we want to dilute it. This legislation addresses a persistent and damaging problem, namely, the theft of tools essential to the work of tradespeople and apprentices across this country. Tradespeople and apprentices in particular face considerable financial strain. Apprentices are frequently paid minimum wage while also covering course fees, accommodation and transport. Many take on additional employment simply to remain in training. Despite these pressures they must invest significant sums in their tool kits. When those tools are stolen the impact is immediate. They cannot work, they cannot earn, and they cannot progress. Recent research shows that more than 70% of tradespeople have had their tools stolen with half reporting losses exceeding €3,000. That is a significant amount of money. These tools are now mostly electric, which makes them more expensive. Over one third have had to borrow money to replace equipment and more than one in ten have been unable to work as a result. These figures have been demonstrated already, but they show the scale of the problem and the inadequacies of current deterrents. Let us really punish the offenders when they are caught.
This Bill introduces a minimum custodial sentence of 36 months for adults convicted of theft, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery or handling stolen property where the offences involve work equipment and prevent the victim from carrying out their employment. It also limits the extent to which such a sentence may be suspended. The purpose is clear. It is to ensure those who deliberately target tradespeople face consequences proportionate to the harm they cause. I state plainly and clearly tonight that the individuals who commit these offences are not opportunists or petty thieves. They are people who knowingly deprive hard-working men and women in this country of their ability to earn a living and this has to stop. Their actions are calculated, intrusive and deeply harmful. They show no regard for the financial hardship, disruption or the psychological distress they inflict. Such behaviour is reprehensible and warrants a firm and unequivocal response from the State. That is not solely a matter of property crime. As Senator P. J. Murphy pointed out, many of these offences occur at people's homes and properties where families live, representing a serious invasion of privacy.
The consequences extend far beyond financial loss. Victims experience anxiety, insecurity and a profound sense of violation, and especially too do their families who live in the same properties. For small businesses and sole traders, the impact can be catastrophic. We in the Fine Gael Party have consistently prioritised law and order and the protection of those who contribute to our economy. We need to protect the people who get up in the morning who do a hard day's work and we need to punish the people who go out deliberately to steal their work tools that provide a livelihood. They deserve to work in the knowledge that the justice system recognises the seriousness of these offences and responds accordingly. Having spoken to tradespeople across Kerry and, indeed, Munster, it is evident that the current situation cannot continue. Senator Murphy mentioned a guy with 26 previous convictions. Surely, that is a benchmark. This Bill is a necessary and proportionate measure to protect livelihoods, support apprentices and uphold the principle that work should be respected and safeguarded. I commend the Bill to the House.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-18