43. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the impact the reduction in staff numbers from 22 to four in recent years in the Dublin Assay Office has had on the work of the office; if he will conduct an assessment of the way this might be impacting on Revenue tax collection on precious metals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5947/14]

I must inform the Deputy that the Assay Office is not the responsibility of either my Department or of the Revenue Commissioners.