Vol. 399 No. 4
43 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice the cost to the State of the provision of security by members of the Garda for the transportation of cash and other securities on an annual basis; the number of personnel engaged from the Force; and the reason this facility is provided free of charge.
In accordance with a decision by the Government some years ago, certain cash movements are escorted by the Garda and the Defence Forces to ensure that the cash does not fall into the wrong hands. I am informed by the Garda authorities that details of the cost of providing escorts or the numbers of personnel engaged on such duties are not separately compiled and that an effort to do so would require expenditure of garda time to an extent that could not be warranted.
The escorts are regarded as necessary in the public interest and have not been requested by the security companies or the financial institutions. In addition, substantial amounts of the cash escorted are for distribution as social welfare payments. In these circumstances, recoupment of the cost of the escorts is not sought.
