asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank will take steps to expedite the publication of their reports in view of the fact that the public must now wait three months before they have an opportunity to obtain important information.
3.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Bank Report.
2.
Mr. Ryan
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the increasing public concern at the reluctance of his Department and the Central Bank to furnish to the Dáil, on request, important information concerning the financial affairs of the State, including the value of Exchequer Bills and Bills of Exchange rediscounted for the year ended 31st March, 1961; and why such practice has been allowed to develop at a time when the national interest demands a wider understanding of financial affairs and up-to-date information.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I am satisfied that the reports of the Central Bank have been published as soon as is possible after the end of each financial year.
There has been no reluctance on the part of my Department to furnish information to the Dáil on matters for which I am responsible as Minister for Finance. I am responsible for the issue of Exchequer Bills but not for any rediscounting of such bills by the Central Bank or any other bank, financial institution or individual. As I said on a previous occasion, it is more appropriate that informative material about the discharge of its discretionary functions should be published by the Central Bank itself.