Vol. 470 No. 4
85 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance whether he will announce positive developments regarding the sale of a bank (details supplied) or its merger with another financial institution here or abroad before the 1997 budget; the current position in relation to the protection of employment if such a sale/merger goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19402/96]
I am continuing, with my colleagues, to examine the options available in relation to this bank. I am not in a position to make an announcement at this time. In any event, it would not be practical to complete a sale or merger process between now and the 1997 budget, if that were contemplated.
The future of staff in the bank will be an important part of any decision taken in relation to a sale or merger.
