John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Today we are dealing with KBC an Ulster Bank with regard to their withdrawal from the Irish banking market. We are joined from Ulster Bank by Ms Jane Howard, CEO, and Ms Elizabeth Arnett. From KBC, we have Mr. Frank Jansen, CEO and executive director; Mr. Barry D'Arcy, chief risk officer; and Mr. Darragh Lennon, director of retail distribution, in attendance.

I remind members and witnesses of privilege. Those attending from Leinster House or in the campus of Leinster House are covered by privilege and those who are outside of those areas may have limited privilege only. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name, or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or the entity involved.

We will begin with opening statements and the members can then ask questions of the banks with regard to the statements or the closure of their operations. Who would like to go first?