Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Vice Chairman. Mr. Duffy and his colleagues are very welcome. In sharing time with Deputy O'Donnell, we might take a good cop, bad cop approach. I am the good cop, obviously. I congratulate the delegates on the huge improvement in AIB's position. When one considers what the situation was when they first appeared before the committee, the progress is astounding. I have every confidence that the bank will make a full return to the taxpayer in due course. I acknowledge Mr. Duffy's point that it cannot be timed exactly. AIB had a very successful half year and I have no doubt that will continue. I wish the delegates well in their continuing efforts.

Can Mr. Duffy confirm whether he expects AIB to beat €1 billion or thereabouts in a full year? That might tell people something about what will happen in due course and the type of timing we can expect.