Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to publish correspondence between his Department and the ECB in the autumn of 2010 dealing with the question of the then Irish Government’s efforts to impose losses on senior bondholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36166/12]
View answerI have no plans to publish records of the type mentioned in the Deputy's question. It is normal practice for states to protect the confidentiality of deliberations with international bodies particularly where sensitive issues are involved. Reflecting this principle the Freedom of Information Act provides for exemptions from release of records relating to, for example, negotiations with international bodies, information received in confidence, commercially sensitive information and the financial and economic interests of the state in sections 24, 26 and 31. These exemptions enable public bodies to protect the integrity and viability of the negotiation and decision-making processes and our relationships with international bodies.
