(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the amount of money and the value of any stamps et cetera stolen from post offices during 1975 and to date in 1976.

I take it the question relates to official cash and stocks. The figures for these are: 1975—Cash, £94,000; stocks £206,000; total, £300,000. 1976 to date—Cash, £32,000; stocks, £94,000; total, £126,000.

(Dublin Central): Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he give any indication if any of this cash or stock has been recovered during that period?

I do not have figures here about any amounts recovered but I will inquire about the matter and inform the Deputy.

Could I ask the Minister was any money taken from the banks in the same period?

I am afraid I do not have those figures either. They would not normally be available to me.

(Dublin Central): Further arising out of the Minister's reply, could the Minister give any indication if security has been increased in some way to ensure that there will be no recurrence of this?

Yes. I have been concerned naturally, as any Minister for Posts and Telegraphs would be, about this for some considerable time. I have met a deputation of the Postmaster's Union about it and I have had discussions with them. Detailed discussions were continued in my Department on this, and arising out of these a scheme was recently introduced for financial assistance to sub-postmasters who instal burglar alarms and protective screens at their counters, and a number of them have availed themselves of these facilities. It is, of course, a matter for considerable concern, and I would like to put on record here my appreciation of the courage and sense of responsibility shown by postmasters and their staffs, subjected as they are to this difficult and often dangerous situation. A number of them have, in fact, shown a high degree of personal courage and dedication under this and set an example to others and to the public.