Vol. 485 No. 2
175 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if a new deal will be negotiated with the banks in view of the security that they receive from the Army for transporting money as currently the banks pay £2.25 million for this service; when this deal was negotiated; his views on whether it is adequate consideration for the service being provided by the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23057/97]
The Estimates for Public Services for 1997 provide for a contribution of £3 million from the banks towards the costs of providing secure escorts for cash transports. The Department of Defence will receive £2.25 million of this to meet the additional costs of security escorts provided by the Army. The balance of £750,000 is in respect of services provided by An Garda Síochána. The current level of contribution was settled in 1995. Costs are monitored on an ongoing basis and the current level is deemed adequate, hence the provision in the 1998 Estimates of a similar contribution to that provided in 1997.
