Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorded cases of so-called tiger robberies in which staff or relations of staff of financial institutions were taken hostage in each year from 2005 to 2009 and to date in 2010; the amount of money taken in such robberies; the discussions he has had with a bank (details supplied) regarding the most recent tiger robbery on 22 June 2010; if the agreed protocols were observed in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28666/10]

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

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. The response procedures in place for dealing with such incidents, which An Garda Síochána does not disclose as a matter of policy and security, 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 securing the arrests 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 subject of regular review.

An Garda Síochána does not, as a matter of policy and security, disclose information relating to the nature and exercise of security measures or the amounts of money taken during such incidents.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner and I met with senior representatives of all the banks, including the one he identifies, late last year to discuss this issue. As charges have been preferred in relation to the incident on 22 June referred to by the Deputy I do not consider it appropriate to comment on the details of the case. I can confirm, however, that contacts have taken place at a senior level between An Garda Síochána and the bank involved in relation to issues arising from the incident.