The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell, T.D., today met with the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and the Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority, Geraldine Larkin, to discuss the recent cash in transit robberies. The Minister was at pains to condemn these acts pointing out that in no sense could these robberies be seen as victimless crimes.

The Minister noted that significant progress was made in the course of last year which led to the finalisation of an agreed voluntary code of practice for handling cash deliveries in a secure way.  This agreement represented a partnership approach by the main players, including the banks, security companies, the Central Bank and the Gardaí.

The Commissioner updated the Minister on the investigations and on progress in relation to the implementation of the Voluntary Code of Practice in relation to major cash movements.   The Voluntary Code of Practice was signed last July by the main players in the cash handling sector and is due to be fully implemented by the end of December 2006.

Regarding the Code of Practice, the Minister said "Cash in Transit Companies must implement as much of the Code as they can at the earliest possible opportunity. They should not be waiting until the deadline to show progress. Equally, the banks who procure cash in transit services have a substantial responsibility not to hire services that do not live up to the appropriate standard." 

The Minister urged the Private Security Authority to press ahead with its plans to introduce licensing for security companies operating in the cash in transit sector.  Adherence to the Code of Practice will be an integral part of the licensing regime and companies who do not comply with the Code of practice will not be licensed to operate in the cash movement sector.

The Minister said "While these investigations have yet to conclude, I have to say that at this stage that I cannot tolerate the shabby low standards which clearly still prevail in this important area of the security industry.  If companies choose not to use the best technology available or choose not to train their staff adequately, then they should not be operating or employed by the banks in this dangerous industry. While all of the technology may not be in place until year end, that is no excuse for not bringing in all appropriate security procedures in the interim".

While expressing serious concern at the recent spate of attacks on security vans, the Minister said the number of attacks needed to be viewed in context.  There were 37 attacks on security vans in 2004.  However, there were only 9 major attacks in 2005 and the three recent attacks are the first major attacks of 2006.

In conclusion, the Minister said "Finally, I have reluctantly decided to again call in the representatives of the banks and the cash in transit companies to thrash this out. The whole industry, to coin a phrase, is now supping in the last chance saloon."

3 April 2006