Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:73 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the current best estimate of the amount of money in dormant accounts and unclaimed life assurance policies; and when the new legislation will be circulated. [4651/01]
Written Answers. - Dormant Bank Accounts.
Applying the criteria for dormancy of accounts and unclaimed life assurance policies, decided by Government in November last year, the total of these funds was estimated at approximately £140 million. However, it can be expected that this amount will fluctuate due to reactivation of the accounts and policies prior to the Scheme coming into operation in April 2002. The draft heads of Bill have been approved by Government and are with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting. I expect the Bill to be published during this Dáil session.