Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on business services (details supplied) by Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The issue the Deputy refers to is a commercial decision for each of the Irish banks. The Government operates at arm's length from the institutions and does not consider it appropriate to direct a bank on this matter.

The covered institutions are however engaging in cost cutting plans. These are plans arising out of the restructuring and recapitalization programme announced in March 2011. The effects of these will be to enable costs saving through shared services and economies of scale. They are also expected to bring about cost reductions which will improve operating margins and permit the banks to better absorb funding costs.