Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
117. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning a practice apparently used by certain banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40633/16]
View answerAs Minister for Finance, I have no direct function in the relationship between banks and their customers. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a shareholder in a number of institutions, I must ensure that the banks are run on an independent basis to ensure the value of the banks as assets to the State. I have no role in the day-to-day running of the banks, which is solely the remit for the management and Board of each bank. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to intervene in any particular case. A Relationship Framework has been specified that defines the nature of the relationship between me, as Minister for Finance, and the banks. These Frameworks can be found at:
http://finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/Allied-Irish-Banks1.pdf
http://www.finance.gov.ie/what-we-do/banking-financial-services/shareholding-management-unit/permanent-tsb/relationship
http://finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/Bank-of-Ireland1_0.pdf
Notwithstanding this, it is imperative that every bank licensed to operate in this jurisdiction does so in accordance with all regulatory requirements including codes of conduct. Should the Deputy be concerned that this is not the case in the matter he has raised, he should consider reporting it to the Central Bank of Ireland being the competent authority to investigate such matters.
