The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has told an Oireachtas committee that criminal gangs and terrorist groups are selling counterfeit DVDs and CDs, and are a danger to society.
The committee heard that much of these sales are done door-to-door and could be costing the Exchequer €100 million a year, as well as putting legitimate workers out of a job.
Mr McDowell said garda activity had reduced the amount of counterfeit products being sold at market stalls, and he urged the industry to offer substantial rewards for information about those making and selling forged goods.
