(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money stolen in armed robberies during 1976 in (a) Dublin city and (b) the country as a whole; and if he will state the portion of these amounts which has been recovered.

Particulars of the amount of money reported stolen in armed robberies during 1976 and the amount recovered are as follows:—

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister indicate what the figures were for 1975?

I am sorry I have not got the 1975 figures.

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree that in proportion the amount of money recovered is exceptionally small?

The amount recovered so far is a small proportion in relation to the total sum stolen. We hope more will be recovered as investigations into the crimes continue.

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree it is because of the lack of a proper police force in making these investigations that the amount of money recovered is so small?

I would not agree.

The Minister mentioned a sum of £627,000. Does that include the amount of money taken from the mail train?

If the mail train was robbed in 1976, it does.