Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on media reports that the Financial Regulator is investigating if Anglo Irish Bank artificially boosted its deposit base around its year end to inflate its financial strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6366/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, certain issues at Anglo Irish Bank are under investigation by various regulatory bodies including the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. It is not appropriate for me to comment in detail on specific issues without the risk of prejudicing the outcome of the investigations. These investigations will be followed up both by the statutory authorities, which have extensive powers, and by Anglo itself.

As Minister for Finance and shareholder, I will ensure where appropriate that any issues identified on foot of these investigations are properly addressed. Furthermore, the new Board of Anglo Irish Bank is reviewing all the corporate governance practices of the bank and will put arrangements in place to guide the bank in the future. I am confident that the new Board will pursue the necessary changes in this regard.