asked the Minister for Finance the net taxable profits of each of the four main banking groups in this country for the years 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977 to date; and if he considers such profit levels to be in the national interest.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the form of a tabular statement which, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to have circulated with the Official Report.

Bank profits are kept under review by the Central Bank, which has formulated profitability guidelines related to the need of the banks to maintain adequate capital and reserves. I am informed by the Central Bank that the profits of the clearing banks during the years in question have been in close accord with these guidelines.

Following is the statement:

Net Taxable Profits of the Four Main Banking Groups 1972 to 1977 inclusive

* 31st December in case of Northern Bank and Ulster Bank.