John McGuinness
Ceist:
180
Mr. McGuinness
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the cost in each year from 2000 to date in 2004 of providing gardaí and Army personnel and vehicles in security operations for financial institutions in the transportation of money throughout the State; the amount paid by the financial institutions to the State in each of these years to pay the costs involved; his views on whether the arrangement is a satisfactory one; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25913/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The costs incurred by the Garda Síochána in providing cash escorts for the banks and the contributions by the banks to these costs since the year 2000 are set out as follows.
|
Year
|
Cost
|
Banks Contribution
|
|
€
|
€
|
|
2004
|
1,910,867*
|
Subject to negotiation
|
|
2003
|
3,283,348
|
3,000,000
|
|
2002
|
3,953,886
|
952,000
|
|
2001
|
4,341,491
|
952,000
|
|
2000
|
2,971,817
|
952,000
|
(*This figure relates to the period 1 January, 2004, to 30 June, 2004, only).
Following negotiations between the banks and my Department last year, the banks agreed to increase their contributions to these costs to €3 million in respect of 2003. Further negotiations are being conducted with the banks about their annual contribution in this and future years.
With respect to costs relating to the Defence Forces, I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Defence, will reply directly to the Deputy in this matter.
