John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On 2 February, we were informed that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, had met with representatives of Ulster Bank and its parent company, NatWest. He met the representatives of Ulster Bank again on 21 October. It was seen that, from last year, the Government was aware of what was going on and was in discussions with NatWest and Ulster Bank. The Minister indicated he met with the chair of NatWest, Howard Davies, on 17 December 2020. What engagement did the Government have with the unions about this matter? Was it in contact with the Financial Services Union? Did it offer the same time to meet with it? Has the Government expressed any opinion to the union's representatives about what is happening? Mr. O'Connell might brief us on those meetings if he has had any.