What legislative act governs the handling and possession of stolen property in Ireland?

The correct choice is the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, which specifically addresses issues around theft, handling stolen property, and fraud offenses in Ireland. This legislative act consolidates various aspects of theft law, including the possession of stolen goods, and provides a comprehensive legal framework for prosecuting such offenses.

The Act defines what constitutes "handling" stolen property and establishes the penalties involved, clarifying the responsibilities of individuals regarding their possession of potentially stolen goods. It effectively updates and modernizes prior legislation to respond to contemporary issues related to theft and fraud.

In contrast, while the Criminal Justice Act 2001 does address several criminal offenses, it is broader in scope and does not singularly focus on theft-related matters. The Criminal Damage Act 1991 is specifically concerned with damage to property rather than the theft or handling of stolen goods. Lastly, the Theft Act 1968, while it pertains to theft, is a piece of earlier legislation that has largely been absorbed and updated by the provisions in the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Therefore, the 2001 Act is the definitive legal framework governing the handling and possession of stolen property in Ireland.