Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013
60. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has had any contact with the Irish headquartered banks on the issue of confidentiality agreements that certain bank customers are required to sign before they will receive a deal on their mortgage arrears issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54547/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by AIB that customers may be required to sign a confidentiality agreement as part of AIB’s normal commercial activities. AIB has stated that its correspondence/interactions with customers are confidential and all customers are encouraged in advance of signing any new documentation to get their own independent advice prior to signing. However AIB informs me that it does not currently request sole mortgage arrears customers, i.e. those that do not have other commercial or investment debt, to sign confidentiality agreements. Bank of Ireland has informed me that in certain cases it will require a customer to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to entering into discussions in relation to the formulation of an alternative arrangement/restructuring. Bank of Ireland has informed me that the reason for this is that it treats customers on an individual case by case basis and, especially in cases of particular sensitivity, it wishes to ensure that the subject matter of the arrangement is confidential between the bank and the customer.
Permanent TSB has informed me that it is not standard or usual for it to request its customers to sign non-disclosure agreements in respect of restructurings. Permanent TSB informs me that requests for same are rare and made only on an exceptional basis.
