Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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168. To ask the Minister for Finance the volume of commercial trade in derivatives that took place here in 2016. [36312/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In Europe data is collected on derivative transactions in accordance with the requirements set out under Regulation (EU) No. 648/2012 or the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). 

As required by EMIR, trade repositories were established to centrally collect and maintain the records of derivative transactions by EU counterparties. They play a central role in enhancing the transparency of derivative markets and reducing risks to financial stability.  

EMIR sets out the organisations which can access the data collected by trade repositories which include the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the relevant competent authorities, the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), the relevant central banks of the European System of Central Banks and certain other bodies.

All Irish counterparties to derivative transactions are obliged to report relevant details to a trade repository. The Central Bank of Ireland, as the Irish national competent authority, has access to trade repository data for the purpose of carrying-out its functions under EMIR.

In addition and also publically available, the Bank of International Settlements compiles and publishes statistics on global derivative market activity (interest rate derivatives).

The Central Bank of Ireland has published a press release and data pertaining to interest rate derivative market activity in Ireland based on this data for the period April 2013 to April 2016. Such information can be accessed at:  

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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169. To ask the Minister for Finance the volume of trade that took place in futures and all other financial transactions in 2016. [36313/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed that the Central Bank has access to data on transactions in derivatives reported by Irish counterparties to a trade repository under the provisions of Regulation 648/2012 on OTC Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories (“EMIR”). The Central Bank notes that concerns remain about the quality of this data. 

Under law, the Central Bank is limited in the level of commercial information it can comment on publicly.

It is unclear what specific information the Deputy requires in terms of all other financial transactions and clarity on this is required.