asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total number of branches of the associated banks within the Republic of Ireland and of this total, what number have their headquarters outside the State.

According to the latest available information, the number of whole-time offices of the associated banks within the Republic of Ireland is 567, of which 279 belong to banks having headquarters outside the State.

Is it in accordance with Government policy that so much of the financial business of the community should be controlled from outside the State?

Deputy Lemass would prefer we did not interfere with them.

Look at the new agreement they have made.

Can I get a reply?

That is a matter which I think does not arise out of the reply I have given. If the Deputy wishes for a more historical reply, I would refer him to the reply given by the Minister for Finance to a somewhat similar question by the same Deputy on the 28th of July, 1948.

Will I get a reply if I put down a question in the terms of my supplementary?

asked the Minister for Finance if he will state how many branches of the associated banks are situated in County Wexford and of this total number, how many have their headquarters outside the Republic of Ireland.

According to the latest available information, the number of whole-time offices of the associated banks in County Wexford is 19 of which 11 belongs to banks having headquarters outside the State.

What are you going to do about it?

Deputy Lemass says that it should not be inquired into.