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

I welcome Mr. Trethowan and Ms Collins and thank them for their report. On the initiative from last year regarding the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland supported by the German state bank, KfW, I understand it will lend to Bank of Ireland and AIB. Are those figures included in the report or has there been any analysis of the position in this regard? If, through the normal processes, these banks refuse a loan, I understand they are obliged to mention it to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. I am obliged to ask whether this is being monitored because I understand that in certain cases that to which I refer has not happened.

Mr. Trethowan stated that this is the most positive report since the inception of the Credit Review Office and that we continue to see improving trends in turnover and profitability in the majority of businesses. He also pointed to an increase in the number of loans being approved by internal bank processes. Is that down to a relaxation on behalf of the banks, or an improvement in the business cases, profitability, turnover or whatever?

Does Mr. Trethowan believe some of the easier cases are being dealt with internally and that the Credit Review Office is still getting the ones that are more difficult and more outlandish by lenders that have less by way of reserves? Mr. Trethowan mentioned that Ulster Bank and the PTSB voluntarily joined the Credit Review Office's processes. When did that happen? Does he have any early data on that, particularly on Ulster Bank?

The two previous speakers referred to selling on loans. Yesterday, I spoke to someone whose loan has been sold on. We have heard that some loans have been sold on for 20 cent in the euro. Is there an obligation for information to be disclosed in this regard or is such information viewed as being commercially sensitive and case specific? Does Mr. Trethowan think those involved in the sale should be obliged to pass on that information to the original borrower?