Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I ask for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come before the House to inform Senators on developments on this issue.

Last week, I raised with the Leader the issue of cash in transit vans and the initiative taken by the Minister for Defence. A report in one of today's newspaper indicates that up to 40% of the security cost of transporting large sums of money is borne by the State through the Department of Defence. I note the Minister for Defence wishes to make progress in this area and wants the banks to pay their fair share. Will he come to the House to outline what agreement, if any, he has struck with the banking industry on the issue? The banks have made profits of €3 billion in the past 12 months, yet the State must pay almost 60% of security costs arising from the movement of money. This is ridiculous in this day and age and I ask for a Government response.

On behalf of my colleagues, I welcome the fact that the Leader of the House is to stand in the Westmeath constituency at the next general election.