Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to have an overall deal concluded on the renegotiation of the IBRC promissory notes; and if he will update Dáil Éireann on this matter. [19415/12]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Government has been committed to reviewing the arrangements that were put in place to capitalise IBRC — formerly Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide. The purpose of this review is to determine if there was a way to reduce the overall cost to the State. Part of the capitalisation of IBRC was provided using promissory notes as consideration.
While the development in relation to the end March Promissory Note payment is positive, we must continue to work towards the greater benefits which would derive from the re-engineering of the promissory note. There are potential improvements for the banking sector which could also stem from the ongoing technical discussions.
It is for these reasons that we must look at the recent developments as an initial step in a process. This is a medium term project. The Government is focused on developing an alternative solution to the promissory note arrangement in IBRC. It is too early at this stage of the process and indeed it would be inappropriate to predetermine what a successful outcome will look like or to indicate how the various stakeholders have or may react to various proposals We want to arrive at a successful conclusion that is in the interests of Ireland and the EU.
