Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State may have misunderstood my concern. While the theft of firearms is a worry, my main concern is that the standard for securing firearms laid down by the Minister is the standard accepted throughout the country by all businesses, including banks, armoured car providers and State businesses such as post offices. Everyone is vulnerable because they are all using a system that can be sabotaged. That is my point.

I am pleased to note the Minister will take the advice of the Garda Commissioner. My simple request is that he ask the Commissioner whether this is a cause of concern among members of the force and, if so, request that action is taken. Thousands of businesses are using the alternative radio technology alarm network which has been rolled out. Incidentally, it may be a matter of interest to the Minister that the technology is supplied by an Israeli firm. He need not have any fears regarding whether the technology is accepted or state-of-the-art.

While I understand the reluctance to change regulations that have been laid down, we must also move with advances in technology. On an issue of this nature, where the protection of businesses and persons is crucial, the Minister should keep an open mind rather than erring on the side of caution. I fully understand that the precautionary principle applies when considering changing regulations that have worked in the past, but the current regulations no longer work. For this reason, I ask that the Minister request the Garda Commissioner to seek advice on this issue from the Garda communications unit.

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