My Department only receives the figures requested from the pillar banks. Bank of Ireland has submitted the following information on credit applications: some 55,741 applications were received in 2012, some 47,531 applications were approved in 2012, and some 8,210 applications were declined in 2012. The bank has also informed me that less than 1% of applications were pending decision at year end and these are included in the declined number. Allied Irish Bank has submitted the following information on credit applications: some 34,254 applications were received in 2012, some 31,527 applications were approved in 2012, and some 2,727 applications were declined in 2012. The AIB figures only refer to completed applications and do not include pending applications, the numbers of which would vary from time to time. In addition, the Department of Finance credit demand survey conducted by Red C provides information on the outcome of credit applications by the firms surveyed. The survey covers the period from April to September 2012 and showed that 56% of applications were approved in full, 4% partially approved, 21% were still pending and 19% were refused. When the pending applications are excluded, this gives 76% approved in full or partially and 24% refused. Red C is currently conducting another survey on behalf of my Department which will cover the period from October 2012 to March 2013.
