Gardai prepare for euro security alert
Gardai are being specially trained to deal with the possibility of a major
crime wave as the country prepares to introduce the euro.
Courses are being carried out at the Garda college in Templemore amid reports that counterfeiters are already dumping fake punts.
There are also fears that the movement of vast amounts of the new currency will lead to major robberies.
There has already been a noticeable increase in the numbers of counterfeit
punt notes in circulation as the currency approaches the end of its status
as legal tender.
Gardai are also planning to educate businesses on how to identify the new euro notes as fears increase that forgers will exploit public ignorance of the euro when it comes into affect at midnight on New Year's Eve.
