Bank officials to testify over raids

BANK officials have been called to appear before a Dáil committee amid claims of a sharp rise in the number of raids.

Justice committee chair Sean Ardagh said there has been increase of 10% in the number of raids and money stolen year on year to 2002. Mr Ardagh called on the banks to review security just hours after the latest bank robbery, in Dublin city centre at lunchtime yesterday.

Dozens of people witnessed two masked men flee the National Irish bank in College Green. The two men escaped with cash after jumping the counter just before 2pm.

Garda headquarters said the men did not produce any weapons. After fleeing the bank, the robbers ran towards Church Lane.

Mr Ardagh said: “Banks must not be seen as a soft touch for criminals. I am calling on all institutions to carry out an immediate review of their security measures for the protection and benefit of all staff and customers.

“I intend the invite the Irish Bankers’ Federation to come before the committee to discuss this issue. Staff and customers must be protected and the onus is on the banking institutions to do this.”

The issue of security has also been raised by the Irish Bank Officials Association.