Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on any oversight by the Regulator or other agency in respect of recent delays in processing payments to customers by Ulster Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31362/12]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that measures are put in place to ensure that customer credit records are not adversely affected as a result of recent IT problems experienced by Ulster Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31430/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 67 together.

I am very conscious of the difficulties that Ulster Bank customers find themselves in. The Central bank has advised me that they have been in contact with Ulster Bank at the highest level to press the bank to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and ensure that customers are treated fairly. The Central Bank's concern is to ensure that all customers are supported and accommodated by the Bank until the system is fully operational again and the Bank has made this clear at a meeting with Ulster Bank senior management. They have emphasised the importance of clear communication and support to consumers. Ulster Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring access to funds for customers through its branch network and where a customer is in hardship or requires funds they should contact Ulster Bank via the branch network or call centers.

The Central Bank has also advised me that Ulster Bank has committed to ensuring that no customer will be at a financial loss and will provide up-to-date and clear information to customers. However the current focus is to get all transactions processed and following that they will commence the process of refunding customers for any interest or fees and charges that have occurred as a result of this incident. Ulster Bank has also confirmed that it will work with the Irish Credit Bureau to ensure that customer ratings are not impacted. Both the Bank and my officials are getting regular status updates and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the situation is resolved as quickly as possible.