Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

——a specific question has been asked and I want to clear any doubt about the matter.

As a result of the due diligence process recently undertaken on behalf of the Minister, certain matters in connection with transactions involving the Quinn stake in the bank came to the attention of the Minister which may warrant further investigation by the Financial Regulator. Anglo Irish Bank has now been taken into public ownership. Various matters are being considered by the Financial Regulator as I have said, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the bank, under its new chairman. The House can take it that any significant corporate governance issue that comes to light will be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

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