Vol. 525 No. 1
40 Mr. McDowell 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. [23467/00]
Following publication, last April, of my outline proposals for dealing with dormant accounts in financial institutions, I initiated a consultation process with various organisations on the detailed basis for the operation of such a scheme.
Since then, I have considered a number of modifications to my initial proposals and these were circulated recently, by way of a draft memorandum for Government, to the relevant Departments.
I expect to submit a final text of a memorandum, together with draft heads of a Bill, to Government in the near future. Subject to Government approval, the draft heads will be referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government and I will issue a press statement outlining the proposals.
I can assure the Deputy that I attach a high priority to bringing forward legislation to deal with dormant accounts and I would be hopeful that a Bill can be published by end-2000 or early 2001.
