Ardrahan-based Senator and former County Councillor PJ Murphy is launching a new bill today to automatically jail those convicted of stealing tools.
Fine Gael Senator Murphy says it recognises the real and devastating impact these all too common crimes have on tradespeople.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of stealing tools would be jailed for at least 3 years.
Anyone convicted of handling stolen property or work gear would also get at least 18 months behind bars.
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Senator Murphy says strong measures like this are desperately needed.
