Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a pity that we are having this discussion at all. Ulster Bank's withdrawal of services in the State is a loss to the banking sector. We might get a chance to talk about what type of banking environment would be required for Ulster Bank or a new bank to enter the market.

My first question relates to the legally binding agreement with AIB for the sale of approximately €4.2 billion of performing commercial lending, with the transfer of 300 members of staff under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, or TUPE regulations. Will Ms Howard update the committee on the regulatory approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC? At what stage is it at? When is it likely that a decision will be notified to the parties?