Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Duffy and his colleagues for all the detailed information sent in advance as it is very comprehensive and such information allows us prepare properly for sessions like this. In terms of measurement of the bank's performance, there has been a marked improvement but I am not here to pat the witnesses on the back. We are here to ask hard questions and I am sure they understand this.

I first want to address the ownership and capital structure of the bank. There has been much speculation that the Government will seek to sell a stake in AIB in the market at some point in 2015. I think the State's priority should be to recoup as much as possible of the money it invested in AIB. It amounts to almost €21 billion and, preferably, it should all be recouped. How can the State best achieve this objective? When will AIB start paying dividends to shareholders? Have shareholders been consulted on the future ownership of the bank and the possible sale of a stake?