The issue was raised in the Dáil by Tipperary Independent TD Mattie McGrath who labelled the Minister for Justice 'inept' for not addressing the issue.
Deputy McGrath brought forward a bill to deal with the theft of ESB cables and scrap metal but it has not been taken up by Government.
The Tipperary representative says rural parts of the country are being targeting specifically…and lashed out at the failure of the Government to use his legislation.
However, responding on behalf of the Justice Minister, Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch told Deputy McGrath that while there were good elements to his Bill, there were legal issues.
