Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a need for an open and frank discussion on the future of AIB. The best outcome would be full retroactive recapitalisation by the ESM, fulfilling the promise of the "game changer" and "seismic shift". If it was rejected, genuine questions must be asked about what to do with AIB, now that it has returned to profitability. Could we use it to bring in revenue for the State and use our shareholding to ensure we will have a banking sector that is fit for purpose?

I have a simple question which I asked earlier today and yesterday. The Minister indicates that the policy remains unchanged. I take that statement at face value. In June the Minister indicated to the finance committee that he would apply for retroactive recapitalisation of AIB. He stated:

Of course we will apply.What does the Deputy think we have been talking about for the last five minutes in reply to Deputy McGrath? Of course we will apply, but the timing is a question of the best approach.

Will the Minister confirm to Parliament that the policy has not changed and, in his own words,is, "Of course we will apply"? Is the Government still committed to applying for retroactive recapitalisation of AIB?

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