Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2004
83 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the costs incurred by the exchequer in connection with security provided for banks and other leading institutions in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19146/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo aid the civil power — meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána who have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State — is among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In this regard, the Defence Forces assist the Garda as required in duties, which include escorting cash deliveries to banks, post offices and other institutions.
The number of requests for cash escorts received by the military authorities from the Garda Síochána for the years 1999 to 2003 was as follows:
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
2,161 |
2,285 |
2,488 |
2,516 |
2,335 |
The total cost in respect of the provisions by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 1999-2003, including pay, allowances, transport, aerial surveillance and administration charge, was as follows:
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
€5.68 m |
€5.99 m |
€6.58 m |
€6.87 m |
€6.64 m |
Part of these costs is recouped from the banks through an annual contribution. A sum of €2.86 million has been refunded by the banks to my Department each year since l995. The contribution from the banks is designed to part cover the total costs to the State of providing cash escorts. An annual contribution is also made to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of the Garda Síochána. However, I can say in the case of the Defence forces, that the contribution by the banks has generally covered the non-pay costs of providing such escorts. The matter is reviewed on an ongoing basis in my Department.
