Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Anglo Irish Bank is being run at arm's length by the new management team and board. This is in line with best practice. A relationship framework is set out regarding what the Minister is responsible for and not responsible for in relation to the bank. In the area of remuneration the Minister approves any changes to general remuneration, the pay of senior management and fees to directors. As the staff affected by this decision are not senior management, decisions on their pay levels are a matter for management in the bank. Just as the Minister does not set the pay levels for a-----

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