Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:28 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the Government's plans for the future of the ACC, the ICC and the Trustee Savings Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/98]
Written Answers - State Banking Sector.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:42 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the options, if any, he is considering for the disposal of the State banks in view of recent comments. [5597/98]
Ceist:
66 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to dispose of the State's interest in the TSB; the indication, if any, he has received from the management, staff or trustees of the bank in relation to the future of the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/98]
John Gormley
Ceist:168 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the position and policy regarding the proposed sale of TSB Bank. [5648/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 42, 66 and 168 together.
As I stated in reply to an earlier question in relation to ACC and ICC Banks, the Government authorised me to enter into consultations with the boards, management and staff of these banks, with a view to developing detailed proposals on the future structure and ownership of the banks, in a way which would recognise the interests of all stakeholders, including the taxpayer. I held meetings with the management and staff of the banks on 8 December 1997 and there are continuing contacts between my officials and the bank management and staff unions. I am currently awaiting formal submissions from the staff unions in both banks. I expect to receive these shortly, at which stage I will assess the position with a view to bringing definitive proposals before the Government.
As regards the TSB, the position remains that, under the Trustee Savings Bank Act, 1989, neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Government has the power to initiate any change in the status of TSB. As Minister, I can only respond to a proposal from the trustees who have the sole power of initiative in this matter. I have no current proposal from the trustees.