A way forward for Permanent TSB was agreed with the Troika in April 2012 which envisaged it playing an important role in the future of Irish retail banking, being a more focused retail bank bringing an element of competition to the marketplace which has consolidated significantly since 2008. In this regard Permanent TSB submitted a Restructuring Plan to the European Commission in June 2012. Permanent TSB has made significant progress in delivering its Restructuring Plan and has announced plans to lend c €450 million for Mortgages, Personal Loans and Credit Cards in 2013, a significant increase on the €90 million lent in 2012.
I welcome the commitment to new lending by Permanent TSB which should be of assistance to the wider economy.