Written answers

Thursday, 14 December 2017

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Minister for Finance if following their appointment the special liquidator of IBRC changed the interest rates being charged by the bank on commercial loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53784/17]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Special Liquidators that in certain circumstances there would have been a change in interest rates on commercial loans following their appointment. However, any change in interest rate on commercial loans could only be sanctioned by the credit committee of IBRC. Any such changes would have to be recommended by the case staff before being considered by credit committee. The credit committee would then consider all relevant factors, including the financial position of the borrower, when determining whether a change in interest rate margin was approved.

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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120. To ask the Minister for Finance the procedure in place from the date of nationalisation and, if different, from the date of the appointment of the special liquidator for the setting and of changing of interest rates on specific commercial loans in respect of IBRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53785/17]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the ongoing Commission of Investigation in relation to IBRC is investigating all transactions, activities and management decisions, other than those relating solely to the acquisition of assets by the National Asset Management Agency, which occurred between 21 January 2009 (being the date of the nationalisation of IBRC) and 7 February 2013 (being the date of the appointment of the Special Liquidators to IBRC). As part of this, the Sole Member will investigate whether the interest rates or any extension to interest rates or any periods for repayments were given by IBRC on preferential terms that were unduly favourable to any borrower, where those interest rates resulted in a differential of more than €4 million in interest due over the standard applicable interest rates for loans of that nature or where the amendments give rise to or are likely to give rise to potential public concerns.

Both Houses of the Oireachtas approved these terms of reference in June 2015.  It is important that I do not interfere with or prejudice the important work to be conducted by the Commission of Investigation. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment publicly in respect of the various transactions, management decisions and actions that may fall within the scope of the review.?

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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121. To ask the Minister for Finance the average interest rate charged on PDH mortgages, BTL mortgages, SME commercial loans and other commercial loans in IBRC’s loan book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53786/17]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The following table outlines the number and value of commercial loans (including SME and other commercial loans) as at 7 February 2013:

Interest Rate No of AccountsBalance - €m's
<1%166399 
1% - 1.99%9208,658
2% - 2.99%2,7297,232
3% - 3.99%1,5684,893 
4% - 4.99%392259 
5% - 5.99%271391 
6% - 6.99%132159 
7% - 7.99%6783 
>8%6656 

The Special Liquidators have advised that balances with a rate of less that 1% primarily related to distressed loans where the loan was restructured or where the borrower was in liquidation or administration and the prospect of any future recovery was remote.

The Special Liquidators are in the process of compiling a response to the remainder of the question which I will forward to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.?

Given that IBRC is going through a liquidation process, the ability to collate and report information of this detail in such a short period of time is not as feasible as it would be for a bank that is not in wind-down. The Special Liquidators have advised that the delay in issuing the response is due to the information not being readily available on the systems that are being used in the bank and that manual collation of the information is required.

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