asked the Minister for Finance if he is in a position to state what is the amount of the balances lying unclaimed in Irish banking institutions, and if he can state whether such monies could be regarded as "treasure trove" and be used for national purposes.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - UNCLAIMED BANK BALANCES.
I am not in a position to state the amount of the balances lying unclaimed in Irish Banking Institutions. The whole question of dormant bank balances in the late United Kingdom was investigated as recently as 1919 by a Select Committee of the British House of Commons. As a result of their investigations it was decided not to seek legislative powers to deal with the matter.
Is the Minister of the same opinion as the British Government were in 1919?
I am. The amount is trifling and I think it would be undesirable to deal with it.
Would the Minister seek information that may be placed at his disposal by the late Editor of "John Bull"?