asked the Minister for Finance if he will say whether he will cause inquiry to be made, through Departmental channels, as to the likely effect changing the financial year to coincide with the calendar year would have on the work of (a) the commercial community, and (b) State and Local Government Departments, with a view to presenting the information so collected to a Parliamentary Committee, to be set up in the autumn for the purpose of considering and reporting on the advisability of such a change.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Suggested Change of Financial Year.
While at present the staffs of Departments are fully engaged I am willing to make an inquiry, such as that suggested by the Deputy, when there is a suitable opportunity.
The Minister will probably appreciate that if inquiry were made and a decision taken on certain lines, it might facilitate the work of the staff and reduce the amount of work.
I realise that, but I find that those I would like to take charge of such an inquiry are at present up to their eyes in work owing to the emergency conditions. Personally I would be anxious to have such an inquiry as soon as possible.
The Minister appreciates that if it appeared that a change was advisable a period such as the present would be the easiest one for such a change?
Probably.