Sales by (NIB) of Clerical Medical Investment (CNMI) offshore investment bonds far exceeded the bank's sales of any other product of that type in recent years.

Sales of the CMI product reached up to £30 million - there is now £23 million left in the investments - but those of other such products were only in the £1 million region. The Revenue Commissioners, the Central Bank and the bank itself are currently examining aspects of the bank's sale of the bonds since 1992.

The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, has said that she may should appoint an officer to the bank.