Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. As is normal when there is a European Court of Justice judgment that impacts policy or the application of EU law in Ireland, the line Department consults the Attorney General. That is what happened in this case, and that formed the basis of the statutory instrument that was introduced and ultimately signed into law. I am a very strong supporter of transparency in these matters and will do all I can to ensure the previous system is restored, but in a manner compatible with EU law and the decision of the European Court of Justice. I am a firm believer in the vital role journalists play in our democratic system in ensuring information in the public interest is made available to the public. Therefore, I will continue to engage with my officials and the Attorney General on this issue, but I have pointed out that a decision has been made or an agreement has been reached in the context of the new AML rule book that deals with the issue of legitimate interest.

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