Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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201. To ask the Minister for Finance to support a matter (details supplied) regarding banking and the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46687/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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While I have noted the details of the case submitted by the deputy, as it is the subject of ongoing investigations it would be inappropriate for me to comment. I have received assurances from AIB that AIB Group adheres to their legal and regulatory obligations when managing and using data relating to customers and that AIB, as an organisation, are committed to behaving in a compliant manner with the principles enshrined in the Data Protection Acts, which are reflected in the Bank's Data Protection Policy. AIB have also confirmed to my department that where appropriate, the Bank will continue to engage with, and provide support to, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as requested.

The Deputy will also understand that, as Minister for Finance, I have no direct function in the relationship between banks and their customers. Decisions taken by the banks are a matter for the board and management of the institution. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a shareholder in some of the institutions operating in the State, I must ensure that the banks in which the state has a shareholding are run on a commercial and independent basis as defined by the Relationship Framework Agreements.