Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the contacts or discussions he has had with the banks or financial institutions to deal with the situation whereby staff members or their families are taken hostage in order to facilitate robberies; if there are agreed procedures between the banks and the Gardaí as to the way in which such situations are dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30621/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The recent incident in which a bank worker and her family were held captive and forced to assist in the robbery of a bank in Coolock is the second such incident in recent months and this is clearly a cause for concern. In my meetings with representatives of the banking and security industries this year I have made it clear that I expect the highest security standards to be adhered to by their members.

In terms of operational standards and procedures, members of An Garda Síochána meet regularly with representatives of the financial institutions to discuss security issues. These meetings take place through the forum of the Irish Bankers Federation. For reasons of security An Garda Síochána does not disclose details of these contacts.