AIB has successfully raised a further €500m, via the issue of a fixed rate five-year senior bond.

A broader consultation process regarding long-term tax deadlines for small businesses and self-assessed payers, and the removal of late filing penalties, have been called for, in light of the Government postponing — rather than scrapping — proposed changes to the pay-and-file deadlines.

No deal can be done on Ireland’s legacy bank debt until at least the end of next year, Finance Minister Michael Noonan has revealed.

Even more mortgage interest rate hikes have not been ruled out by Bank of Ireland; with its CEO, Richie Boucher, saying funding costs “will be a key driver” of future decisions.

Credit union chiefs who fail to adhere to proposed new legislation run the risk of heavy fines of up to €250,000 and multi-year prison sentences.