asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate (a) the estimated monetary value of estates at the disposal of the Government unclaimed by next of kin; (b) the period during which such accumulation took place, and (c) the manner in which unclaimed estates will be finally disposed of when a specified period has elapsed and if he will arrange for the preparation and publication of a booklet for sale at a nominal charge, containing particulars of such estates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unclaimed Estates.
The funds referred to by the Deputy are estimated at £99,254 which represents an accumulation over the period from 1922 to date. The question of the manner of disposal of these funds and future receipts under the same head is being considered in connection with proposals for legislation relating to State property generally which I hope to have introduced in the Dáil before long. As regards the concluding part of the Deputy's question, full inquiries for next-of-kin are made in the locality and, unless the estate is very small, by press advertisement in accordance with the practice of the probate office of the High Court. I do not consider, therefore, that the preparation and publication of a booklet as suggested by the Deputy would be warranted.