Robinson & McGuinness in discussions with Ulster Bank Chairman

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D. Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA met at Stormont Castle today with Mr Sean Dorgan Chairman of the Ulster Bank.

Minsters were able to convey first hand the difficulties local business and households are facing dealing with banks in the current economic climate.

Mr McGuinness said: "We discussed the need for credit to be made available to viable local businesses through our local bank branches.

We also stressed our view that local banks should deal sympathetically with local businesses and people, not only in providing credit, but also in dealing with debt."

Mr Robinson said: "We very much welcome the opportunity today to speak with Mr Dorgan to hear how the bank intends to support local people and businesses, particularly small businesses, in this difficult time. Government has invested a great deal of money in the Royal Bank of Scotland, the parent company of Ulster Bank. We are keen to ensure that Northern Ireland benefits from this investment."

Ministers were assured by Mr Dorgan that the Ulster Bank continues to lend to local businesses and would be in a position to announce further initiatives shortly.

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