Officials warned AIB share sale would reignite senior banker pay debate

State's shareholding in the bank has dropped below 50%

The state ended up selling a significant chunk of its AIB shares in late June yielding €480.5m.

Department of Finance officials have flagged concerns that the latest sale of AIB shares which would leave the state shareholding below 50% would reignite debate over restrictions on pay for senior bankers there.

Civil servants have told Finance Minister Michael McGrath the state having a minority share in the bank would mean little in practical terms, but would be seen as a significant milestone.