John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I would like to address the transport of large amounts of money around the State and the onus this places on the Garda and the Army. We all agree the bulk of the cost should be borne by financial institutions themselves. It would be desirable for Ireland to move towards becoming a cash-free society but we must accept that cash is at the heart of retail. As Senator Mansergh said to me a moment ago, people get very impatient when they are forced to queue at checkouts when cards are being taken. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated in the Dáil on 12 April 2005 that he had secured the agreement of the banks to increase their contribution towards the cost of transporting money to €3 million per annum, following consultations with the Department. This represents a very significant and welcome increase as the banks had paid €952,000 in previous years. The Minister has also indicated to the security industry that it has 120 days in which to reach a voluntary code of practice otherwise a legislative framework will be introduced. It is worth noting these developments since the very serious robbery which took place some weeks ago.