BoI's Boucher defends tough stance against debt forgiveness

Bank of Ireland's chief executive Richie Boucher has defended the company's tough stance against debt forgiveness.

In an interview with The Irish Times, Richie Boucher said he realises BOI's policy is "not to everyone's taste", but he said every concession of mortgage arrears means someone else has to pay.

He questioned AIB write-offs under its pilot scheme with the Irish Mortgage Holders Association.

"Is there transparency?" Mr Boucher is quoted as saying. "Is it some type of a lottery where names are pulled out of a hat every morning? I don’t know."