Banking Sector Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (191)

Michael Lowry

Question:

191. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of Ulster Bank employees here as a result of the RBS review that is currently underway; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that this review could lead to the loss of upwards of 1,000 jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the impact this further loss of staff would have on customer service and the general public, if he will confirm the actions being taken to engage with RBS executives in Edinburgh and the British Government to ensure that these concerns are abated; the responses received from each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7831/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

The Deputy may be aware that, following the review by the UK Treasury in Autumn 2013, RBS reaffirmed its commitment to the Irish market. RBS is currently reviewing the operations of Ulster Bank in Ireland with a view to creating a sustainable business model. My Department has engaged with the UK Treasury as part of the Treasury review and I also recently met with senior RBS executives regarding the outlook for the bank both here and in the UK.

Recently, a number of individual Ulster Bank employees and their representative organisation contacted my Department in relation to their concerns that the RBS review could lead to job losses in Ireland. I fully understand and appreciate the concerns of Ulster Bank employees but I must await the findings of the review before commenting further.