asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures the proposes to take to ensure the safety of social welfare recipients and the staff of employment exchanges throughout the country with reference to the number of armed robberies that have taken place at exchanges during the past few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Employment Exchanges Security Measures.
29.
The safety of the public and the staff at employment exchanges is a matter which receives constant attention at my Department. New measures to improve security continue to be introduced and these include the erection of security fittings at existing offices and the building-in of modern security features in newly fitted out employment exchanges. In addition the use of security cash delivery services are being availed of where feasible and in many employment exchanges there is a Garda presence during pay out times.
When introducing improvements in security at employment exchanges my Department have availed of the advice of Garda crime prevention units and will continue to do so. Although I am particularly concerned at the increase in the number of recent armed raids I would like to assure the Deputy that I am satisfied that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of the public and staff alike in the measures being taken.