Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

68. To ask the Minister for Finance the profit obtained by the State from the sale of bank shares in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16079/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, €29.4bn was invested in AIB, BOI and PTSB over the period 2009 to 2011. To date, c. €27.4bn has been recovered in cash by way of disposals, investment income and liability guarantee fees. The remaining investments in the banks are currently valued at c. €2.2bn (as at close of business on 28 March 2025) meaning the State is c. €200m above breakeven on its investment in the three banks on a cash-in/cash-out basis.

I have outlined below details of the various share sales (share trading plan, share buybacks and accelerated bookbuild transactions) which transacted successfully during 2024 and YTD in 2025. Please note that all of the share sales outlined below are AIB share sales.

Please note that phase 7 of the AIB share trading plan is currently operational and runs until July 2025.

As I announced on Monday 31 March 2025, I have agreed in principle to AIB's latest share buyback proposal. The transaction, subject to shareholder approval and market conditions, will see the bank acquire €1.2bn of its shares from the State by way of an off-market purchase. It is expected that the buyback will be completed shortly after AIB’s Annual General Meeting on 1^st May 2025. The minimum price this share buyback will transact at will be €6.26 per share.

The State also holds warrants which were issued by AIB following the IPO of the bank in June 2017 and Department of Finance officials have commenced exploratory discussions with AIB on a buyback of these warrants, while also examining other available options.

The State continues to be majority shareholder in PTSB with a shareholding of 57.4% worth approximately €500m. The Minister for Finance will assess any opportunities for possible share sales in PTSB should they arise. The financial position at PTSB has improved substantially with the bank demonstrating continued progression at the announcement of their FY2024 annual results which were released recently.