Overheidssteun: Commissaris Kroes ontmoet Ierse minister van Financiën Brian Lenihan om bankgaranties te bespreken (en)

The Irish Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, and the European Competition Commissioner, Ms Neelie Kroes, met on the evening of 6 October in Luxembourg to discuss the Irish Government’s legislation in relation to guarantees for banks.

The meeting was constructive and important in clarifying Irish intentions in relation to the implementing measures to be introduced shortly under the terms of the legislation.

The Commissioner raised concerns regarding possible discrimination between different banks operating in Ireland and the Minister confirmed that he is addressing the issues arising in that regard.

The Commissioner and the Minister agreed that these issues should be analysed by reference to the position of the beneficiary banks in the national economy.

They were also agreed on the importance that steps would be taken to guard against undue distortions in financial flows, and the Minister indicated that these concerns would be addressed through the implementing measures, currently being drafted, which will provide for both behavioural controls and quantitative balance sheet controls.