Jim O'Keeffe
Question:85 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the situation in relation to the future plans for TSB, ACC and ICC. [23724/98]
Written Answers - State Banking Sector.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:86 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the Government's proposals for the future of TSB, ICC and ACC banks. [23674/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
As I stated in my reply to a number of similar questions on the 14 October last, I am proceeding with the implementation of the Government's decision to dispose of the State's interest in ICC bank plc. In relation to ACC and TSB Banks, the boards and managements of both banks have now entered into formal discussions with a view to exploring the option of a merger of the banks and a flotation of the merged entity. I welcome this development and I will give positive and careful consideration to the outcome of these discussions.