Mr. Simon Carswell:

I think I said it was a well co-ordinated lobbying campaign. It would have been co-ordinated by the financial industry groups and also individually. The senior bankers in each institution would also have sent letters to Department of Finance officials to say that this was a good thing. They would say the same thing, although they might change it slightly. That is what led to the comment from a Department of Finance official that they felt they were under siege at that point.

Also, as part of the lobbying campaign, we are aware of a high-profile private meeting that took place between a senior banker and a member of the Government at a dinner. We know from the correspondence after that dinner, which I got under freedom of information, that the legislation was discussed. The banker described the legislation as enlightened and innovative, and a model for the political, public and private sectors. I will quote from the letter that was sent by the senior banker to the member of the Government:

I can honestly say that I find it hard to remember when I have had as enjoyable, insightful and stimulating few hours discussion. You raised a particular interesting issue, indeed challenge, on the question of influencing or at least informing the debate on where and how we take forward this great project that is modern Ireland.

That was an example of the type of access the industry got to the Government on that issue.