PAC concerned by high value of cash in garda estate

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that An Garda Síochána provide a clearer breakdown of its expenditure.

In a report due to be published today, the PAC expressed concern over the high value of cash stored in the garda estate which it believes presents an excessive risk.

The committee is calling for a central oversight of all cash held as evidence.

It said that such oversight should include regular monitoring and reporting in order to mitigate risks.

It also recommended that An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice examine the feasibility of lodging seized cash into secure, interest-bearing accounts, similar to the arrangements operated by the Revenue Commissioners.

Any move to implement this change must ensure that the evidential integrity is preserved and that it complies with the court's requirements.

The Committee has given An Garda Síochána nine months to come back with an update on actions taken to address this issue.