Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform

Overview of Banking Sector: Ulster Bank

10:25 am

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the limited time I have, and this is the kernel of it, we are getting back to old style banking again, which is in effect the banks seeking to get the highest rate possible from the customer and the customer not having proper competition in the market. I have two questions. First, what rate would Mr. Brown like to reach for net interest margin? Second, in light of the fact that AIB is operating from a lower net interest margin, which it told the committee is 1.6%, will Ulster Bank consider providing some competition in the Irish market and reducing the rates?