Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. They mentioned the whole area of new lending of €1.2 billion. What is the trend in terms of new versus restructuring funding? In regard to lending performance, what engagement does Ulster Bank have with the Department of Finance? I appreciate that Ulster Bank is not a pillar bank. The training of staff and external professional accreditation was mentioned. Who is used for that purpose? I have two final questions which I also put to Bank of Ireland. I note Ulster Bank has a high approval rate. Is there independent verification of these figures? For example, ISME would state that the level of funding for the banks in general - not specifically Ulster Bank - is 50% to 54%. Does the bank have verification of these figures and, if not, is it an issue it would consider? If all banks had independent verification we would not have anecdotal evidence or queries about the actual percentage figures. Does Ulster Bank have any concerns regarding competition from credit unions, which have a desire to get into the market for the purposes of greater lending to SMEs?