Oireachtas Committee to examine future of abandoned safety deposits in banks

Valuables such as artwork and gold have accumulated in banks over decades, with some safety deposits dating back to the 19th century.

An Oireachtas Committee is examining potential legal requirements to deal with abandoned vaults in banks this morning.

Currently, the Dormant Accounts Act 2001 allows bank accounts that have been idle for 15 years to be handed over to the State for good causes.