Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of tiger robberies, where people were taken hostage in an attempt to force others to hand over cash or goods, that have been recorded to date in 2006; the way these figures compare for the same period in each of the previous five years; if he is planning new measures to counter this threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41908/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda authorities inform me that there have been three 'tiger' robberies in 2006, and two such robberies in 2005, i.e. incidents in which people were taken hostage with a view to assisting robberies. There have also been a small number of unsuccessful attempts to perpetrate such raids. The Garda authorities have also informed me that comparable figures for the preceding four years are not immediately available. These are now being collated and I will communicate with the Deputy in due course.

The Garda authorities further inform me that there are agreed response procedures between An Garda Síochána and the banks and financial institutions to deal with hostage situations where members of staff or their families are taken hostage in order to facilitate robberies. These response procedures are detailed and all encompassing.

An Garda Síochána does not, as a matter of policy and security, disclose information on the detail of these procedures.