The Mayo Fianna Fail TD, Ms Beverly Cooper-Flynn, has said she believes it is "very unlikely" she will be asked to take part in any investigation into an offshore financial investment package offered by her former employer, National Irish Bank.
Declining to comment on her role in NIB, where she worked before winning a Dail seat last June, Ms Cooper-Flynn said yesterday that she was precluded from discussing any involvement with bank business because of a confidentiality clause she had signed in her contract.
"I am very happy that NIB is co-operating with any investigation that anybody or institution feels might be necessary. As far as I am concerned, any man, woman or child who does business with a financial institution - be it a post office, credit union, bank or building society - does so in the knowledge and understanding that their business is confidential. I respect that principle and would never breach the confidentiality placed in me by a client." Questions on any aspect of NIB's business could not be answered by her and "I will have to refer you to the bank", Ms Cooper-Flynn said.
She had not discussed the matter with the Taoiseach and had not been asked to take part in any investigation. "I think that is very unlikely," she said. "If asked to co-operate, of course I would be happy to do so." Reports at the weekend said that the TD - the daughter of the EU Commissioner, Mr Padraig Flynn - had worked as an adviser in NIB's financial advice and services division.