Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 74: 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, recorded in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; if he is planning new measures to counter this threat; if he has had discussions with the financial institutions or the security industry with a view to stopping these robberies and ensuring the safety of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6826/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda authorities inform me that there were two so-called 'tiger' robberies in 2005 and three such robberies in 2006. To date in 2007 there have been two such robberies. An Garda Síochána continue to investigate these robberies. Naturally I cannot go into any details about these as to do so might risk prejudicing these investigations or subsequent prosecutions.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007. This is a comprehensive measure that will counter the threat posed by criminal gangs, including those involved in kidnapping and robbery. The Bill will contain provision for detention for up to 7 days of persons suspected of certain offences, including these so-called 'tiger' kidnappings.

There are, as the Deputy would expect, regular contacts between the banks and other financial institutions and the Gardaí to discuss methods of forestalling attempts by criminal gangs to enrich themselves by preying on the vulnerability of individuals.

I can inform the Deputy that the Garda authorities have agreed response procedures with 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. The Deputy will appreciate that for obvious reasons An Garda Síochána cannot disclose information on the detail of these procedures.

In my own discussions with representatives of the banking and security industries I have always made it clear that I expect the highest security standards to be adhered to by their members.