Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 November 2012
59. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the funding deficit in Allied Irish Bank's defined pension benefit pension scheme prior to the transfer of €1.1 billion of gross loan assets into the scheme in August 2012; and if he will confirm the funding position of the scheme at present. [49041/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAIB Group’s pension deficit as reported at 30 June 2012 in the bank’s interim results was €1,457m. I am informed that this figure includes all of the Group’s pension schemes, including the Irish defined benefit scheme. This figure is disclosed to the market on a semi-annual basis and updated figures will be reported in early 2013 in the bank’s Annual Report for 2012. The transfer of assets to the pension fund earlier this year was undertaken in order to facilitate the early retirement component of the voluntary severance program of the bank. Had the transfer of assets not taken place, the early retirement component of the voluntary severance could not have proceeded as it would have required a cash contribution from the bank. The voluntary severance scheme in the bank overall is expected to result in annual savings to AIB in excess of €200m which is a critical component of AIB’s return to long term viability.
