Vol. 492 No. 2
68 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has contacted banks, building societies and other financial institutions to discuss with them the requirement that they pay the full cost to the State of providing security escorts for cash movements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11567/98]
The current level of contribution was settled in discussions between my Department and the banks in 1995. The 1998 Estimates for the public service provide that a contribution of £3,000,000 in respect of security escorts provided by the Army and An Garda Síochána should be made by the banks. The Department of Defence will receive £2,250,000 to meet the additional costs of security escorts provided by the Army. A payment of £750,000 will be made to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of costs incurred by the Garda Síochána. Costs are monitored on an ongoing basis in conjunction with the Departments providing the service.
