Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I agree it is not acceptable that only 43% of the costs of security escorts are being met at present. That is why I have been endeavouring to increase the contribution. I am not asking the banks for the full cost of the cash escorts because all the activity does not relate to banks. Some 20% covers post offices and a small amount relates to other financial institutions such as the Central Bank and so on. In effect, I am asking the banks to pay for what they are getting.

They have made various points to me such as that they are contributing a great deal in taxes to the Revenue. They also make the point that there is an extra cost entailed when the Army is involved in cash escorts, such as subsistence allowances, security duty allowances, the cost of transport etc. They further stated that even today the amount they are paying covers that extra cost and that we would be meeting the basic wages anyway. That is the substance of their argument. I have put counter arguments but I am sure the House is not interested in the detailed negotiations.

To answer the latter part of the Deputy's question, I have told the banks that I want this matter finalised and concluded within the next fortnight.

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