Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the Deputy, as an Opposition spokesperson, must try to blame the Minister. My predecessors and I have provided resources and legislation in this area and in recent days the Garda Commissioner has indicated he has all the resources he requires.

As I stated, these types of kidnappings are pernicious crimes. Where the protocols have been adhered to, however, they have been successful in so far as the crime has been prevented and the safety of the bank employees concerned, as well as that of members of their families or others involved in the kidnapping, has been protected. The protection of human life is the foremost priority.

The number of attacks on cash in transit vans has reduced substantially as a result of the introduction of new procedures and protocols which have effectively negated any profit criminals could make from such crimes. Exactly the same principle applies in the case of tiger robberies. It needs to be proven over time that such crimes are unsuccessful. The modus operandi of the banks must include checks and balances to prevent one or perhaps two individuals in a branch having access to large amounts of money. They must also provide proper training and guidance for staff - I understand this is being done - to ensure they fully understand that the protocols are in place for their own protection. This will ensure tiger kidnappings are not replicated over an extended period.

Unfortunately, every time a tiger kidnapping is successful, it is sends out a negative signal to the public and a positive signal to the criminals who believe carrying out such crimes has a benefit. If we can establish a fool-proof system in which the protocols and systems in the banks are such that this cannot happen, a strong message will go out to criminals that this is not a lucrative crime. Obviously, they will then try to find another niche.

One is dealing with human beings and given the difficulties individuals and families are placed under, one will always have a weak link, as it were, in these types of circumstances. I have spent much time with the Garda Síochána in this regard and I have had discussions with the banks and Irish Bank Officials Association, which has asked me for another meeting, to which I will agree. I have also had a significant number of meetings recently with various interests which believe they have the wherewithal to assist in this area. I assure the Deputy that the Government will ensure the Garda has all the resources it requires to stamp out this crime.

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