Concern has been expressed about potential theft of cash in transit in the run-up to the euro changeover, Marie O'Halloran reports.
Mr Billy Timmins (FG, Wicklow) said during Defence Questions that there had been as many as 30 thefts of cash in transit this year and it was essential that the presence of the military be maximised on such operations.
However, the Minister for Defence said the Defence Forces had been giving extra assistance since October 30th for the euro changeover. Mr Smith said the forces would completely meet any requests from the Garda authorities to support their efforts in the movement of cash "and that has always been the case".
He pointed out that it might be time to consider an increase in the amount the banks paid for cash escort services.