Vol. 522 No. 2
64 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the current position regarding his consultation with organisations or interest groups regarding the proposed legislation to deal with dormant bank accounts; when he expects to bring proposals to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18160/00]
As I indicated in response to a somewhat similar question on 23 May last, the Government at its meeting on 11 April 2000 approved my proposals to engage in consultations with the financial services industry in relation to the dormant accounts issue and, in this regard, the following bodies have been consulted: Irish Bankers' Federation, IBF; Irish Insurance Federation, IIF; Irish Mortgage and Savings Association, IMSA; Irish Association of Investment Managers, IAIM; Financial Services Industry Association, FSIA; An Post; NTMA and the Central Bank.
These consultations have now concluded and my officials have presented a report of their findings to me. The position now is that, following consultation with relevant Departments, a memorandum for Government together with the draft heads of a Bill will be submitted to Government for approval. I hope a Bill can be published before the end of this year.
