asked the Minister for Finance whether there are any restrictions on the amount of sterling a person is allowed to take out of Ireland; and, if not, if he intends to introduce legislation to this effect.
Ceisteanna—Questious. Oral Answers. - Sterling Allowance.
12.
There are no restrictions on the amount of sterling in any form a person may take to Britain.
Under the Exchange Control Acts the amount of sterling currency notes a person may without permission take to destinations other than Britain is at present limited to £25. The amount of sterling in any form other than currency notes which a person may take or otherwise transfer outside the sterling area is also subject to control under the Exchange Control Acts. The control is operated by the Central Bank. In general such transfers of sterling are allowed for all current purposes but capital transfers are allowed only in exceptional cases. I do not propose to introduce further restrictive legislation.
In the case of a person who lodges money outside this country and who is subsequently shown not to be the lawful owner, are there arrangements whereby the Irish Government or authorities can have this money returned to Ireland? In a case like this, if a person lodges money in Britain can the authorities here arrange for its return?
I think I know what the Deputy has in mind. If I am correct, then exchange control is not the method to deal with it. If I am correct in assuming that I know the case the Deputy has in mind, it seems to me it would be a matter of either civil or criminal proceedings. It would not relate to exchange control.
If a person has possession of money, of which he is not the lawful owner, can arrangements be made to have it returned?
I think there could be some theoretical means for dealing with it other than exchange control. Whether they would be effective is another matter.