Mr. John O'Connell:

No, despite repeated requests. I am aware the Minister will meet with NatWest and we have asked that a timeline and terms of reference would be requested but also the opportunity, and I felt it was important that Ulster Bank would be before the committee today, to have a debate before a decision is taken. It is pointless having us there at the end stage and being told that that is the outcome, live with it or whatever. People have to be listened to as part of debate. The bank says that it consistently brings its values to act in the best interests of its customers, colleagues and stakeholders.

That is what the bank says it operates under. That is not very visible to me or the Senator and her colleagues here today. We are asking that it engage with us, stakeholders and the committee and give us the opportunity to debate these issues.