asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of unclaimed funds held by (a) the Government in national loans, deposits and securities; (b) by the Post Office in deposits, bonds and saving certificates and (c) by other public bodies; and if he will consider legislative changes which will require notification in relation to nonactive accounts and other efforts to trace beneficiaries of such funds.
Written Answers. - Unclaimed Funds.
39.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to funds which are the property of a deceased person as there is no other accepted definition of unclaimed funds. Apart from the moneys invested in the prize bonds scheme the information requested by the Deputy is not available. In the case of the prize bonds, I am informed that bonds to the value of £20,000 are at present unclaimed due to the death of bond holders. In the case of deposits and State small savings schemes it should be noted that interest continues to accrue where depositors do not make contact with the deposit-taking institution.
I have no plans to introduce legislation on the lines outlined by the Deputy.