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

I apologise to our guests for keeping them waiting outside. In our first session today, we had a long discussion with Ulster Bank and KBC, which was worthwhile to pursue in the context of the issues. When witnesses are answering questions put by the members, they may bear in mind what I said at the end of that session. We have written to all the utility companies - Electric Ireland, Energia, PrepayPower, SSE group and Bord Gáis - to ask them about their availability to attend Oireachtas committee meetings. We also asked them for a submission and repeated that request on 17 May. Bord Gáis responded by saying it would not attend but would provide us with a note. Today, PrepayPower responded by saying it would not attend. Energia emailed us to say it would provide information by Friday. I repeat that I find that unacceptable behaviour from companies that are meant to look after their customers.

The banks that came before us, KBC and Ulster Bank, outlined what they were doing. They were looking at this from the point of view that all of us are stakeholders, namely members of this committee, banks, customers, utility companies, and others. However, the utility companies we have been dealing with have certainly not shown the same due respect to their customers or this Oireachtas committee. I again appeal to them to think about the invitation we sent and the information we asked for, and to participate fully with all of us as we try to resolve this huge transaction.

I welcome Mr. Jim O'Keeffe and Mr. Brian Nugent from AIB, Mr. Gavin Kelly and Mr. Martin McKenna from Bank of Ireland, and Mr. Eamonn Crowley and Mr. Patrick Farrell from Permanent TSB. We are also joined by Mr. Brian Hayes and other representatives of the banking industry. They are all very welcome. Opening statements will be made followed by engagement from the members. Mr. Hayes will go first. I remind witness of the note on privilege; do not name or upset anyone.