Vol. 417 No. 5
25 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the recent bank robbery of £2.5 million from an AIB clearing centre in County Waterford; and if he will outline the efforts made to date to apprehend those involved in the robbery.
62 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice if he has had any discussions with the banks about the provision by them of armed guards for their premises; and if he is in favour of such protection from armed raiders for staff, customers and money.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 62 together.
As I have indicated already today, it is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to report to the House on the progress of specific Garda investigations. As the House will appreciate, there are good reasons for that and I do not propose to comment in relation to this particular case other than to say that the Garda investigations are continuing.
With regard to Deputy Deasy's question, the position is that the security arrangements at banks are the subject of constant review by the banks in consultation with the Garda Síochána. The protection of staff, customers and money is discussed at regular meetings between the Garda authorities and representatives from the banks. The provision of armed guards by the banks has not been the subject of discussion. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they would not be in favour of such a proposal and I would agree with that view.
