asked the Minister for Justice the estimated total sum of money held as unclaimed funds in the Circuit Court as published in a recent report (details supplied); if he will arrange for the list to be published in local provincial newspapers; and the plans, if any, which he has to dispose of these funds.
Written Answers. - Circuit Court Unclaimed Funds.
52.
The unclaimed funds of dormant balances held in the Circuit Court on 31 December 1986 amounted to £621,676.42 cash and £125,061.93 securities. In accordance with the Circuit Court Rules, 1954, each county registrar prepares, every three years, a list of the accounts of such funds or balances held by him on behalf of the Circuit Court. This list is exhibited in the office and a copy is published in Iris Oifigiúil. The Circuit Court Rules do not provide for the publication of the list in local provincial newspapers.
Such funds could not be disposed of otherwise than in accordance with Rules of Court unless legislation in that regard were to be passed. As I have indicated on a number of occasions in the House, I could not, in response to Parliamentary Questions, indicate what legislative proposals, if any, I might have in particular areas. Such proposals are announced in the ordinary way following Government approval. I can, however, say that I have no proposals at present in relation to the matter in question.