Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 195: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps which have been taken to prevent the flow of information to organised criminals in regard to cash in transit assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22238/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the interests of creating a safe, secure and efficient cash-handling environment, a voluntary Code of Practice between An Garda Síochána and the service providers in the cash-in-transit industry, including the financial institutions, the Central Bank, the Financial Services Authority of Ireland and the security companies, was signed in 2005.

Appropriate crime prevention advice is also made available by An Garda Síochána to those involved in this industry to ensure that sensitive information does not fall into the hands of criminal elements. The Private Security Authority has indicated its intention to bring forward, at the earliest opportunity, licensing for the cash-in-transit sector of the Security Industry. I am informed that adherence to the Code of Practice will be an integral part of the licensing regime and companies who do not comply with the Code of Practice will not be licensed to operate in the cash movement sector.

In addition, I understand that the Private Security Authority has put stringent criteria in place to protect the private security industry from infiltration by criminals. All licence applicants will undergo criminal records checking by An Garda Síochána. This will apply to employees, principals and directors of private security companies. It is an offence in itself not to disclose details of a conviction(s) when applying to the Authority for a licence.