Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance his view of the possible implications of AIB's proposed sell-off of its northern subsidiary, First Trust Bank, in relation to the development of a single island economy through structured co-operation which has been widely acknowledged as a key aim of public policy here; his views on whether this is a partitionist policy and should not become his policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26484/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The AIB subsidiary, known as First Trust Bank, is a separate Northern Ireland company. AIB is obliged to examine all restructuring options in the context of their substantial capital needs outlined in my Statement of 30 March 2010. At this stage AIB has offered the particular Northern Ireland company for sale. Economic development on both sides of the border is best developed through a strong banking sector on both sides. This means a recapitalised AIB and First Trust Bank owned by a strongly capitalised parent. I would remind the Deputy that Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank will remain all Ireland operations.