S&P: Irish banks in health even as loans weigh

Irish banks have returned to financial health but non-performing mortgage loans will drag on their credit scores for some time, according to S&P Global Ratings.

Its report, Irish Banks: Getting back to where they once belonged, is one of the most upbeat by a credit rating firm on Irish lenders.

The review includes AIB but makes no mention of the Government’s plans to sell a 25% stake in the bank in the coming months, if market conditions allow.