Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Mr. O'Connor, who became chairman in late December, liaised with my Department on the matters under discussion and they were brought to my attention. He was dealing with these matters. However, there was considerable uncertainty about the corporate future of Anglo Irish Bank until the nationalisation Bill was enacted. I advised my officials to raise the matter with the board members upon their entry into office. It was my responsibility as Minister for Finance to appoint a new board once the bank was nationalised. I am trying to explain that the context in which the question is asked is not quite relevant.

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