Mr. Richie Boucher:

I cannot speak for AIB. We are a commercial organisation which must operate on a commercial basis while also ensuring we meet the full requirements of legislation and regulatory provisions. We also must consider our mortgage book relative to the industry and relative to our competitors. I do not believe our competitors can point to the same progress as we have made, year on year, in terms of challenged mortgages and the level of arrears reduction. On the whole, the progress we are making is reflected in the numbers. Where a standard financial statement is submitted - which includes customers who are not in arrears - in nine out of ten cases, we are able to offer a solution. As Mr. Mason pointed out, 86% of our solutions are working. We feel we are making progress in terms of the way we deal with these issues. Other banks are in different positions, with significantly higher arrears situations and larger mortgage books. Everybody must make their own decisions as to what they feel is best for their business.