Banks' representative groups have admitted they face a hefty increase in their contribution to cash escort services as part of new measures to improve security around the delivery of money.
In a statement today the Irish Bankers' Federation (IBF) said retail banks contribute €5.9 million annually as part of an agreement reached with Government.
This sum, which is renegotiated every year, is paid each year to the Department of Finance, which gives the
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform €3 million and the Department of Defence €2.86 million. It costs €9 million annually to provide army and Garda escorts for cash transits.
A spokeswoman for the IBF admitted that the banks had been asked to increase their contribution at yesterday's meeting between Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy with representatives of the cash transit industry.
The meeting to discuss improved security measures came in the wake of Wednesday's €2.4 million robbery from a security van in Dublin.
Cash-delivery companies have been given four months to improve security of have regulation imposed on them. Mr McDowell said he wanted to see theft-proof cash security boxes, improved satellite tracking of vans and greater use of CCTV.
The white van used to steal the cash in Killester was found last night near the Border at Dromad, Co Louth. It has been taken to Santry Garda station for forensic examination.
Gardaí investigating the robbery are appealing for anybody who was a customer at the Maxol Service Station at Kilmore Road between 7am and 7.30am last Wednesday to contact Santry Garda Station on 01 - 6664059.