Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Cash Movement.

Alan Shatter

Question:

249 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if the Government proposes to increase the charge imposed on banks for the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash; his views on whether it is acceptable that the sum of £2.25 million funded by the banks towards these costs has remained unchanged since 1995; and if the estimated total cost that will be incurred in 2001 through the Defence Forces providing such assistance is £5 million. [13930/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr McCreevy)

The 2001 Revised Estimates for Public Services 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 be aware that £2.25 million of this amount is accounted in the Defence Vote and a further payment of £750,000 is due to go to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of Garda costs.

The Deputy will appreciate that the costs, which are monitored on an ongoing basis by both of the Departments providing the service, vary from year to year. The costs are related to the number of cash movements as well as the level of security deemed necessary by the Garda authorities. Consequently a cost for 2001 is not yet available. I have no proposals to alter the level of contribution in 2001.