658. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total amount returned to the Exchequer to date from the State's investment in the banking sector, disaggregated by share sales, dividends, guarantee fees, coupon and other payments and the bank levy; the total amount of State support provided to that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60175/26]

Ireland’s banking investments amounted to State aid, and as such the banks and the State were effectively obliged to reverse these investments over time, market conditions permitting, in order to repay the aid provided. The Department kept under constant review the exit options available to the State in order to maximise the return from these investments over time. A total of €29.4 bn was invested in AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB between 2009 and 2011. Upon completion of BAWAG’s acquisition of PTSB, the transaction will generate c.€931m for the State, meaning the State is c. €1.3 bn above break-even on its €29.4 bn investment in AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB from direct shareholding linked income and has recovered a further c. €1.8 bn from the banking sector since the introduction of the bank levy. Completion of the BAWAG transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions including the sanction of the High Court.

*Includes c.€931m relating to BAWAG’s acquisition of PTSB, which remains subject to completion