Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to introduce new measures to tackle tiger kidnappings. [11724/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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. When the protocols are followed the Gardaí are given a great advantage in their efforts to foil these crimes and arrest those responsible. That has been proven to be the case. Obviously if the Garda Commissioner proposes new measures which he feels would aid his officers in tackling those responsible for these crimes then these will be considered and where appropriate put before the Oireachtas for approval.

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 is absolutely committed to ensuring that the first priority during the preliminary investigation of any such incident is the safety of staff and their families and loved ones.

Legislation is now in place which provides for covert surveillance evidence to be used in Court, and the Gardaí are also in a position to utilise legislation which specifically targets the organised criminal gangs responsible for these reprehensible crimes. I want to assure the House that the Gardaí are totally focused in combating this form of criminality as part of the concerted efforts being made to tackle organised criminal gangs.