AIB official claims being scapegoated on overcharging issue

A SENIOR AIB official, who claims he is being made a "scapegoat" for overcharging by the bank, has been granted a temporary High Court order preventing his dismissal from the company.

Séamus Sheerin was told in a letter from the bank this week that he should be dismissed. Mr Sheerin, general manager of the bank's Strategic Development Unit, is one of two senior executives being investigated in connection with AIB's overcharging controversy.

An estimated €20 million in foreign exchange fees was overcharged by the bank.

Mr Justice Iarlaith O'Neill was told Mr Sheerin, aged 41, had been invited only late last year to apply for the post of chief executive with the organisation, which had been filled on Thursday.

The position held by him has proved to be a springboard to higher office in the past and holders of the post are regarded as potential high-flyers within the bank.

"The very finding of wrongdoing against me is sufficient to give rise to damage to my reputation in the banking community which would result in the most irreparable harm imaginable to somebody in my position," said Mr Sheerin, in an affidavit.

His barrister Roddy Horan SC told the court that Mr Sheerin had been "scapegoated" by the bank.

Mr Sheerin said he was told that Aidan McKeon, a director of AIB, was to carry out a disciplinary inquiry in relation to him.

On Wednesday he was told by letter that he should be dismissed.