asked the Minister for Defence the number of organisations or business companies who pay a contribution to (i) the Army and (ii) the State for security services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Security Operations.
18.
Pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, the Defence Forces when requested give assistance to the Garda Síochána in security operations. No contribution in respect of this assistance is received by my Department.
Does the Minister agree that there should not be any charge to public firms for the services provided by the security forces.
Yes.
Would the Minister agree that the Department of Defence provide security services for the banks without charge although the banks make huge profits each year? Is the Minister agreeable to the provision of that service and the voting of money in this House for that purpose?
Security services are being discussed with the banks. I cannot be specific about this area at the moment.
If this was discussed recently with the banks, what was the outcome? Did they discuss charging for these services?
There were only preliminary talks.
Was the question of a charge on the agenda?
Nothing like that.
Do I take it that it is not the intention of the Government to ask for a charge for providing this service?
I am answering this question on behalf of my colleague. No contribution is sought by the Army for assistance given to the Garda Síochána.