Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

Was this bonus paid prior to the appointment of the Government-appointed directors? Was the payment of the bonus brought forward to a date earlier than when the person in question was entitled to receive it? The year end for Irish Nationwide building society is 31 December and Mr. Fingleton would appear to have been paid the bonus well prior to that date.

It is unusual, as I see no great difference between this case and that of the CEO of Irish Life & Permanent, whose removal was far more forceful as the Minister indicated his expectation that the board would live up to its responsibilities. When it did not, the Minister asked the members to meet him and made certain that Mr. Denis Casey stood down. Why is the Minister not taking the same line with Mr. Fingleton? A Government guarantee scheme has been put in place but if it had not been, would Irish Nationwide have been able to pay the bonus?

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