(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in discussions which have taken place recently between his Department and the building societies on the increasing of the upper limit on deposits from £5,000 to £15,000, the question of disclosing the identities of depositors to the Revenue Commissioners arose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Society Deposits.
6.
The question of disclosing the identities of depositors with building societies did not arise in the discussions referred to. The societies, which are members of the Building Societies Association, agreed that, in conjunction with an increase from £5,000 to £15,000 in the limit applicable to individual investments for the purposes of the special composite tax arrangements, they would co-operate with the Revenue Commissioners in an examination designed to establish what the composite rate of tax would be, if calculated on a strict mathematical basis. The actual arrangements for the carrying out of this examination are a matter for settlement between the commissioners and the societies.
Is the Minister prepared to give a categorical assurance that the question of disclosure by the building societies to the Revenue Commissioners of the identity of depositors never arose?
The Deputy is asking for a categorical assurance in that regard?
Yes.
I am not in a position to answer that. It is my opinion it never arose but I cannot give that categorical assurance because I do not know.
That is my question.
I realise that, but I must tell the Deputy I do not know.
Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable amount of rumour around the city that this matter did arise at a discussion which took place in the Department of Local Government between the building societies and officials of the Department? This is causing a considerable amount of disquiet. Is the Minister aware of the very serious implications of such matters on the resources of the building societies? In view of all the circumstances, it is very important that he should be in a position to give the categorical assurance I am seeking.
I am only replying for the Minister for Local Government. It is my considered opinion that this never occurred but I will not mislead the House by giving an absolutely firm answer in this regard. Personally I am quite certain it never happened.