Mr. Ian Black:

The Deputy asked about the potential sale of Ulster Bank loans to Permanent TSB. We will always act in the best interest of the SMEs. In the case of Ulster Bank transferring its loans to another financial institution, it depends on how that would take place. Under the Central Bank Act 1971, which related to banks amalgamating, one bank can transfer loans to another bank with the consent of the Minister for Finance. We have the interest of the SMEs at heart and would be guided by that. People would like for these SME customers to end up with a full service banking offer.