Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorded cases of tiger robberies in which staff or relations of staff of financial institutions were taken hostage in each year from 2005 to date in 2010; the amount of money taken in such robberies; the discussions he has had with the financial institutions about these robberies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12994/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To date in 2010 one so-called 'tiger' kidnapping has taken place and the following table shows the number of similar incidents recorded in the period 2005 -2009. It is the policy of An Garda Síochána not to disclose the amount of money taken during such crimes.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner and I jointly met with the Chief Executives of various financial institutions late last year to discuss this issue and to outline our concerns in this regard. Regular meetings are held between An Garda Síochána and financial institutions to discuss bank security issues and in particular tiger kidnapping prevention and response protocols. An Garda Síochána does not, for obvious security reasons, disclose information relating to the nature of security measures. The response procedures in place for dealing with such incidents typically include the establishment of Crisis Management teams and agreed protocols designed primarily to ensure the safe return of those persons held captive during such incidents and thereafter aimed at securing the arrest and prosecution of the culprits involved. Advice on personal security for staff members and on systems and processes in place for the conveyance, storage and dispersal of cash are provided on an ongoing basis and are the subject of regular review.