O'Brien 'delighted' to 'protect my rights as a citizen'

Denis O'Brien says he is delighted with today's High Court ruling preventing RTE from broadcasting the businessman's confidential arrangements with IBRC.

The details of Mr Justice Donald Binchy's decision cannot be reported until his written judgement is redacted of sensitive information next week.

Both Mr O'Brien and RTE have released statements this evening with their reactions to the ruling.

This evening's order by Mr Justice Donald Binchy means details of Denis O'Brien's confidential banking arrangements with IBRC cannot be published or broadcast.

No further details of the decision can be revealed until sensitive information contained in the ruling is redacted.

RTE's business editor had planned a report for the Six One News focusing on governance at the State-owned bank.

It related to IBRC's handling of large debtors, and while there was no allegation of wrongdoing against Denis O'Brien, he had claimed revelations about his private banking would damage his commercial and banking interests.

This evening Mr O'Brien says he believes every citizen is entitled to privacy in their financial affairs and that is why he took the case.

Meanwhile, RTE says it is disappointed by today's ruling, which it says it will give further consideration to.

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Mr O'Brien's statement in full:

"I am delighted with today's High Court decision which has refused permission to RTE to broadcast material which was illegally obtained about my private financial affairs.

"RTE came into possession of highly selective illegally obtained documents and took a decision to attempt to broadcast the details.

"I took this case to protect my rights as a citizen. I believe that every citizen is entitled to privacy in their financial affairs.

"I have been particularly encouraged by the number of people who have contacted me to communicate their belief that confidentiality in a customer-banking relationship is of absolute importance.

"I believe that the circumstances of today's decision should be a matter of the gravest concern for the RTE Authority as the national broadcaster. "

RTÉ statement in full:

"RTÉ is disappointed by today's injunction as we feel that the story is in the public interest, but we respect the court's decision.

"RTÉ will give further consideration to today's ruling and RTÉ will continue to report on, and investigate, stories in the public interest."