Vol. 495 No. 2
53 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Finance the reason banks and financial institutions are not asked to pay the full cost of security escorts for cash movements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15275/98]
This year's Estimates for the Public Service provide for a contribution of £3 million from the banks in respect of security escorts provided by the Army and the Garda Síochána. The Deputy will already be aware that £2.25 million of this is accounted for on the Defence Vote and a further payment of £750,000 will go to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of Garda costs. Costs are monitored on an ongoing basis by both of the Departments providing the service and I am satisfied that the current level of contribution is adequate. The Deputy will appreciate that the costs vary from year to year and are related to the level of security determined by the Garda authorities. I have no proposals to alter the level of contribution in 1999.
