asked the Minister for Finance what foreign currencies were provided for Mr. Singer for the purpose of carrying on the stamp business in which he was engaged, and the amount of each currency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamp Auctions: Provision of Foreign Currencies.
29.
Exchange Control permission is not required for the purpose of effecting payments to residents of the scheduled territories as defined under the Exchange Control Act, 1954, and generally known as the Sterling Area. Formal permission, which may be either general or particular, is required for other foreign payments but it is not the practice of my Department to publish particulars as regards individual persons or firms. For many years, however, permission has been granted automatically for all proposed transfers for trading purposes.
Could the Minister say what total amount of foreign currency was made available to this company for the purchase, or alleged purchase, of stamps in other countries?
I have told the Deputy that it is not the practice to give the figures in the case of any individual.
It is a separate matter.
This is an unusual case.
Quite clearly, he must have been treated very generously.