Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - Armed Escorts.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

46 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence the total costs incurred by his Department in 1999 and the current year to date, for the provision of armed escorts for cash transfers to the financial institutions; how much of this cost is recovered from the financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17494/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Siochana in protecting movements of cash in 1999, the latest full year for which figures are available, was £4.5 million approximately.

In line with the Government decision imposing a charge on the banks, part of these costs are recouped. In 1999 £2.25 million was refunded by the banks to my Department.