ECB refuses to discuss talks on promissory notes

As Irish officials continue to insist there is an imminent deal on the Anglo Irish promissory notes the ECB is claiming that releasing or even commenting on any details of a deal would undermine the entire European financial system.

In response to a freedom of information request from the Irish Examiner for documents in relation to the ongoing negotiations between the ECB and the Irish authorities. the director general of the ECB secretariat, Pierre van der Hagen, said they could not go beyond acknowledging that negotiations are in train.

“Documents relating to the on going developments surrounding the Anglo Irish promissory notes cannot be disclosed, as even partial disclosure would undermine the protection of the public interest as regards monetary policy of the union and the financial or economic policy of Ireland, and the stability of the financial system in the union and in Ireland.” he said.