asked the Minister for Finance the total value of Exchequer Bills and Bills of Exchange rediscounted by the Central Bank on behalf of the associated banks for the years ended 31st March, 1959, 31st March, 1960, and 31st March, 1961.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rediscounting Operations of Central Bank.
7.
Mr. Ryan
Information of the kind requested by the Deputy, which relates to the exercise by the Central Bank of one of its discretionary functions, is more appropriate for publication by the Central Bank itself. I understand that particulars of rediscounting operations for some years past will be given in the forthcoming report of the Bank and that similar information will be published periodically thereafter.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that he answered the first and second parts of this question last year? It is merely a matter now of giving the figures for the third year. He has already given the figures for the past two years. Why is he changing his attitude now?
To supply these figures would put the Central Bank to a certain amount of inconvenience at the moment. In the second place, from this on, the figures asked for will be published by the Central Bank.
Mr. Ryan
On what date?
With the Central Bank Report each year.
Only once a year?
Perhaps they will do it quarterly when they get started. It will come out for the first time with the report this year.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister not inform the Central Bank that their convenience must take second place? The public are entitled to get this information. This House is entitled to the information even if it inconveniences certain people in the Central Bank.
On what date will the Central Bank publish this information.
Mr. Ryan
We have the right to decide, not the Central Bank.