Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Information provided by Bank of Ireland to the Department of Finance to the effect that no performance-related bonuses were paid was incorrect. The bank has apologised to the Department for this and the Minister for Finance views this issue very seriously. An intensive investigation of the additional payments made by Bank of Ireland since the introduction of the guarantee scheme is under way. The Minister is eager to see this investigation concluded as quickly as possible and if wrongdoing is found to have occurred, there will, of course, be consequences. Any additional information which comes to light will be made available to the House.

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