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

I ask the Minister to look at it in the broader context.

Will the Minister comment on the recent AIB fine? Separate to this but in the AIB family is the EBS tied agents issue. To bring the Minister up to date on the EBS issue, it went to mediation and people have been appointed. It has got very legalistic and it seems an obstacle is being placed in the way of any step forward in progress. AIB should be encouraged to resolve this ongoing issue once and for all. I had hoped it would be reasonable in the context of the framework and the process but it appears it is driving those waiting for a resolution into a never-ending legal process. This is not what was asked for. Given the length of time that people have waited, the number of agents who have since passed away and the lesser number that remain, if there was good faith on the side of AIB and EBS it would be resolved. It shows a culture in the bank again that seems to want to push groups such as this to the limit in the process. I know things with banks are not fair and that "fair" is not a word they use but it is not good business practice or a good culture to stand over. AIB should be encouraged to show it intends to resolve the EBS issue once and for all. I also mentioned the fine and I ask the Minister to comment on it.