Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have not received any such lobbying whatever from the banks on that matter. It is clear that bank confidentiality rules have to apply for the efficient and effective running of these bodies. The same applies to any other operation of this kind and, for a whole lot of obvious reasons, that is the rationale behind it. The FOI Act should not automatically apply to every body that is created. It is a matter for decision and consideration by the Minister for Finance and the public service in the first instance before, ultimately, being brought before the House. I do not believe the Act should be applied to the financial institutions, as suggested by the Deputy.

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