National Irish Bank reported a 2.4 per cent increase in pre tax profits to £10.9 million for the year to the end of March. The latest results included a bad debt provision of £169,000 which compared with a write back of £704,000 to profits in the previous corresponding period. Profits before bad debts rose 11 per cent.

In advance of a Government decision on the future of TSB Bank, NIB plans to expand its distribution network and to introduce new electronic and telephone banking arrangements for customers. page 2