Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
226. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline if any discussions have taken place with Bank of Ireland or other private investors in the last six months on the sale or repurchase of the €1.8 billion of State-owned preference shares in Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16196/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its recent results briefing, Bank of Ireland indicated that it was considering a range of options relating to its preference shares issuance. I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in the Department of Finance, as part of their regular interaction with Bank of Ireland management, have discussed options regarding the State’s current holding of €1.8bn of preference shares. Should an opportunity arise to sell the shares or have them redeemed, the transaction will be considered having assessed the best interests of the State. I can also confirm to the Deputy that no discussions have been held between private investors and the Department of Finance in relation to the sale of the €1.8bn of State owned preference shares in the Bank of Ireland.
