Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
131. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 2 February 2017 if he expects to be consulted if the sale by a bank of certain non-performing loan books were divided in such a way that the individual proceeds would be below €100 million but taken together would be equal to or exceeding €100 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8171/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the relationship between the Minister for Finance and the banks in which the State has a Shareholding are governed by Relationship Frameworks. Under the terms of these Frameworks matters are deemed to be 'material' and require the bank to bring the matter to my attention.
As I have indicated previously to the Deputy, the Relationship Framework with AIB sets out the criteria for determining which matters require Ministerial consultation which include 'material' matters and states that a matter should be deemed 'material' if "it is an acquisition, investment or disposal other than in the ordinary course of business and the total purchase price, investment or proceeds is likely to exceed €100 million". Therefore if the bank decided to sell a loan book with a value over €100 m then I, as Minister, would need to be consulted. If the value is less than €100 m a formal consultation would not be required.
As you know officials in my department have regular engagement with the banks in which the State has a shareholding and also have access to a range of reports and financial information. It is through this engagement that my officials ensure that all the banks comply with their obligations under the various State agreements and Relationship Frameworks.
