More AIB officials may take legal action over blocked bonuses

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan’s bank bonus blocking plan may not be able to prevent more AIB officials from taking High Court cases to receive the money — potentially leaving the state open to the pay-out and expensive legal costs.

Despite Monday night’s decision to stop any bank bonuses being paid out, almost 2,400 employees who were to receive the 2008 bonuses could still take legal cases to do so.

In reality, due to the significant cost of taking a High Court case — which can result in €25-€40,000 in legal expenses — the majority of AIB staff who expected to receive the money are unlikely to go to court.