Michael Ahern
Question:57 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to improve security in respect of the carriage of prisoners and large sums of money. [9727/96]
Written Answers. - Security for Escorts.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:160 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the implications, if any, of the recent assisted escape of a prisoner en route to a court appearance from Portlaoise prison, County Laois; the circumstances and security arrangements surrounding this event; the proposals, if any, she has to improve the security for such escorts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9963/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 160 together.
I have received preliminary reports from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison and the Garda Síochána concerning the escape of the prisoner referred to in Question No. 160. As soon as I have received the final reports on the matter I will carry out, in conjunction with the prison authorities and the Garda Síochána, a through re-assessment of the situation regarding prisoner escorts generally. In the meantime it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.
As regards cash in transit, there is ongoing close liaison between the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, financial institutions and the security industry in regard to protection of the movement and storage of large sums of money. I am satisfied that there have been important recent enhancements in these protection arrangements and that the question of further such enhancements can best be considered in the context of continued liaison.