The practice of ‘card-skimming' involves the unauthorised copying of information from a customer's ATM card which facilitates the criminal stealing of cash by using the illegally obtained data. I am informed that it is not possible, without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources, to indicate the number of arrests made or convictions recorded in respect of such offences as requested by the Deputy. I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is in constant liaison with financial institutions with a view to tackling ATM fraud which is being targeted through various fora including bi-monthly meetings of the ATM Fraud Forum, which is comprised of representatives of the various financial institutions and An Garda Síochána and is chaired by the Irish Payment Card Services Organisation (IPSO).
This type of criminal activity is also addressed through the Hi-Tech Crime Forum which comprises representatives of the banking institutions, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the Internet Service providers, IPSO and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate. This forum meets every two months. Any perceived weaknesses or new attack methods identified are discussed at these meetings in order to identify counter-measures to prevent further occurrences. The provisions of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 cover a wide-range of offences including theft, deception, forgery, using a false instrument, and are deemed to adequately provide for the offences disclosed by this form of criminal activity.