Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Finance if permission is required from the European Commission prior to a bank (details supplied) recommencement of dividend payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9336/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The decision to pay dividends to ordinary shareholders is a matter for the board of each bank having considered, inter alia, their regulatory responsibilities. As regards the role of DG Competition in the European Commission, the payment of ordinary dividends is recognised and understood as a key mechanism by which State aid can be repaid and their consent is not required.