To 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 total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 2000 to 2003, including pay, allowances, transport and aerial surveillance, was as follows: in 2000, €5.7 million; in 2001, €6.58 million; in 2002, €6.87 million; and in 2003, €6.64 million.
The 2004 costs have not yet been finalised in my Department. An annual contribution of €2.86 million is paid by the banks in respect of Army escorts. The contribution from the banks is designed to partly 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 and I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will respond to the Deputy on these amounts. In the case of the Defence Forces, taking one year with another, the contribution by the banks has generally covered the non-pay costs of providing such escorts.
The question of the level of contribution is under review in my Department having regard to the arrangements which I understand were agreed between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the financial institutions, to ensure there is no significant variance in methodology or level of cost recovery. It should be noted that there has been a significant reduction in the demand on the Defence Forces for assistance in aid to the civil power following the reduced security threat arising from the Good Friday Agreement.
