Daniel McConnell: Ban on bank bonuses for AIB top brass effectively ended

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has been sharply criticised for 'opening the door' to bonuses under the terms of the bank's takeover of Goodbody Stockbrokers

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has allowed  Goodbody staff to remain exempt from the bankers' bonus levy and given leave for senior AIB staff to 'transfer' over to the stockbroking firm in the coming years. Picture: Moya Nolan

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has effectively ended the ban on bank bonuses for elite staff in AIB, as part of its takeover of stockbroking firm Goodbody.

As well as allowing the Goodbody staff to remain exempt from the bankers' bonus levy, he, as the majority shareholder, has given leave for senior AIB staff to “transfer” over to the stockbroking firm in the coming years.