Vol. 530 No. 6
50 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals for improvements in the level of supervision and monitoring of accounts in Irish banks having regard to recent reports that a number of foreign leaders had used Irish banks to hide money stolen from their own people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4671/01]
I refer the Deputy to my reply of 30 November 2000 to a similar question from Deputy Michael Higgins.
I am satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to minimise the risk of Irish financial institutions being used for the purpose of money laundering, but if any of the authorities concerned considers that further measures are necessary, I will consider them.
In recent months the Central Bank carried out on-site inspections of a number of credit institutions focusing on adherence to anti-money laundering procedures. The findings from these inspections are being reviewed by the Central Bank and appropriate follow-up action will be taken by the bank and, if necessary, by other authorities. There are also a number of ongoing initiatives in place to ensure anti-money laundering legislation, guidance notes and procedures in place in Ireland reflect best international practice.
