Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1980 > Committee of Public Accounts > Report - Appropriation Accounts 1978

APPENDIX 9

POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS—BANK ACCOUNT

12 Lúnasa 1980

Cléireach

An Coiste um Chuntais Phoiblí

Teach Laighean

Baile Atha Cliath 2.

A Chara,

Further to my evidence before the Committee on 17 April 1980 I am writing to clarify the reference to an inter-departmental study contained in paragraph 54 of the most recent Minute of the Minister for Finance to the Committee, which relates to the location of the bank account of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.

Following the strike in the Associated Banks in 1976, an informal Working Group, drawn from the Departments of Finance and Posts and Telegraphs, was set up to examine the services provided by non-bank deposit taking institutions, including the Post Office, to see to what extent they might be capable of development so as to reduce the impact of bank disputes on the community. It is understood that the Working Group adverted to the on-going operational and policy considerations which — as explained in the Minute of the Minister for Finance — appeared to preclude the relocation of the Post Office Account in the Central Bank. In the circumstances they decided not to pursue the matter further. It is also understood from the Accounting Officer of the Vote for Posts and Telegraphs that the banking arrangements for the postal service will be looked at again in some detail by his Department over the next year or so in connection with the preparations for the transfer of the service to a State-sponsored body.

Mise le meas,

TOMÁS F. Ó COFAIGH

Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta,

An Roinn Airgeadais.