asked the Minister for Finance if he will give a break-down of the figures given by him on 29 May 1980 in relation to the increased cost of security arising from the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Written Answers. - Security Cost.
15.
The Deputy will appreciate that the figures which I gave on 29 May are very tentative estimates. They are, however, of sufficient accuracy to bear out the point which I made, that the costs attributable to the Northern Ireland situation are a substantial drain on Exchequer resources. The costs incurred on extra security in the Republic arising from the situation in Northern Ireland are made up principally of two items, namely, expenditure on the Defence Forces, and expenditure on the Garda and Prison Services. In 1969-70 these accounted for approximately £1 million each: in 1975, for approximately £20 million and £10 million respectively; and in 1979 for approximately £40 million and £19 million respectively. In 1980, it is tentatively estimated that the extra costs of the Defence Forces will be £57 million, and of the Garda and Prison Services, £24 million. The figures which I gave on 29 May also included some smaller items, which, for example, in 1975 amounted to over £2 million, the bulk of which was accounted for by personal and property compensation. Incidentally, the figure of £35 million which I gave for 1975 should read £33 million.