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FY2001 Annual Report · Allied Irish Bank
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Annual Report and Accounts 2001
for the year ended 31 December 2001

AIB Group
Bankcentre
PO Box 452
Dublin 4
Ireland

Telephone
+353 (0) 1 660 0311

www.aibgroup.com

Financial highlights

for the year ended 31 December 2001

Results

Total operating income(1)

Group profit before taxation(1)

Profit attributable 

Profit retained

Per E 0.32 ordinary share
Earnings – basic

Earnings – adjusted (note 21)

Earnings – diluted

Dividend

Dividend cover – times

Net assets

Performance measures

Return on average total assets(1)

Return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity(2)

Balance sheet

Total assets

Shareholders’ funds: equity interests

Loans etc

Deposits etc

Capital ratios

Tier 1 capital

Total capital

2001

E m

3,786

1,401

484

41

56.2c

119.4c

55.9c

43.80c

1.3

551c

2000
Restated
E m

1999
Restated
E m

3,397

1,274

784

379

91.6c

106.7c

91.0c

38.75c

2.3

566c

2,893

1,163

786

453

92.5c

93.5c

91.6c

33.70c

2.7

518c

1.28%

20.5%

1.27%

21.6%

1.36%

23.5%

88,837

4,851

57,445

72,813

80,250

4,944

50,239

65,210

67,807

4,460

43,127

55,241

6.5%

10.1%

6.3%

10.8%

6.4%

11.3%

(1)Adjusted to exclude the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in 2001 (note 8(b)) and the impact of the deposit interest

retention tax settlement in 2000 (note 5).

(2)Excluding the impact of FRS 17 (note 13) in all years, the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in 2001 (note 8(b)) 

and the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement in 2000 (note 5).

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Group Headquarters & 
Registered Office
Bankcentre, Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4, Ireland
Telephone (01) 660 0311
Registered number 24173

1

www.aibgroup.com

Contents

1

4

6

8

Financial highlights

Chairman’s statement

Report and actions following Allfirst Treasury losses

Directors

10

Group Chief Executive’s review

37

Report of the Directors

39

Corporate Governance Statement

43

Financial contents

44

Accounting policies

48

Consolidated profit and loss account

50

Consolidated balance sheet

51

Balance sheet Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

52

Consolidated cash flow statement

53

Statement of total recognised gains and losses

53

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

53

Note of historical cost profits and losses

54

Notes to the accounts

121

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the Accounts

122

Auditors’ report

124

Accounts in sterling, US dollars and Polish zloty

125

Five year financial summary

127

Principal addresses

129

Additional information for Shareholders 

133

Financial calendar

134

Index

Chairman’s statement

The fraud at Allfirst was an unprecedented and serious setback to AIB Group.

The AIB Board and Management acted

underlying quality of our business and our

quickly when it was informed of the news of

people.The loss saw our pre-tax profit 

this incident. A special meeting of the Board

fall to e612 million but did not affect 

was held on 7 February.We were committed to

dividend policy.

a speedy and independent inquiry into the

The AIB Board recommended a second

facts of the matter.The Promontory Financial

interim dividend of EUR 28.4c payable 

Group headed by Mr Eugene A. Ludwig,

on 26 April 2002 to shareholders on the

former U.S. Comptroller of the Currency,

company’s register of members at the close 

and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the

of business on 1 March 2002. Our dividend

prominent New York law firm, were engaged

policy reflects the AIB Board’s confidence in

to head this investigation.

the fundamental strength of AIB.

On 12 March the AIB and Allfirst Boards

There were changes to the AIB Board 

met to consider the Ludwig Report and on 

in 2001. Mr Mike Sullivan and Mr Jim

14 March we released the full report and the

O’Leary joined as non-executive directors.

details of the Boards’ decisions.The main

Mr O’Leary is a lecturer in economics at 

findings of the Report and our decisions are

NUI Maynooth and a member of the 

set out on pages 6 and 7.

Public Sector Benchmarking Body. He 

Despite the Allfirst loss the results showed 

was Chief Economist at Davy Stockbrokers 

a strong performance demonstrating the

from 1987 to 2001. Mr Sullivan served 

4

as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from January

We are confident of the future.There is no

1999 to June 2001. Mr Sullivan was Governor

doubt that our reputation has suffered, but the

of the State of Wyoming between 1987 and

business is strong. Rebuilding our reputation

1995. He has also joined the Board of AIB’s

will take time but we will do so.

U.S. subsidiary, Allfirst Financial Inc.

Mr Eugene Sheehy, previously Managing

Director of AIB Bank Republic of Ireland,

has transferred to the U.S. to become Chief

Executive of our North American business on

Mr Frank Bramble’s retirement. He has been

succeeded by Mr Donal Forde.We wish both

of them well in their new responsibilities.

Lochlann Quinn

Chairman

22 March 2002

5

Report and actions following
Allfirst Treasury losses

The main findings of the independent

Mr Rusnak’s hedge-fund style of foreign

inquiry conducted by Mr Eugene A. Ludwig,

exchange trading; even in the absence of

and his colleagues at Promontory Financial

any sign of fraudulent conduct, the mere

Group, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

scope of Mr Rusnak’s trading activities 

were as follows:

and the size of the positions he was 

taking warranted a much closer 

(1) The fraud in Allfirst was carefully planned

risk management review.

and meticulously implemented by Mr John

Rusnak. It extended over a lengthy period

(5) Allfirst and AIB senior management 

of time and involved falsification of key

heavily relied upon the Allfirst treasurer,

bank records and documents.

given the treasurer’s extensive experience

with treasury functions and foreign

(2) Mr Rusnak circumvented the controls 

exchange trading in particular. In hindsight,

that were intended to prevent any such

fraud by manipulating the weak control

this heavy reliance proved misplaced.

environment in Allfirst’s treasury; notably, he

(6) Nothing has come to our attention during 

found ways of circumventing changes 

in control procedures throughout the

period of his fraud.

(3) Mr Rusnak’s trading activities did not

receive the careful scrutiny that they

deserved; the Allfirst treasurer and his

treasury funds manager – the principal

the course of the review that indicates 

that anyone at AIB or Allfirst, outside 

of the Allfirst treasury group, were involved

in, or had any knowledge that, fraudulent

or improper trading activity 

was occurring at Allfirst before the

discovery of the fraud.

persons responsible for Mr Rusnak’s

Decisions of AIB Board

supervision – failed for an extended 

It was determined by the Boards of AIB

period to monitor Mr Rusnak’s trading.

and Allfirst, following receipt of the Ludwig

Report, that the person primarily responsible

(4) At both the AIB Group and Allfirst levels,

for the losses was Mr Rusnak who has already

the Asset and Liability Committees

been dismissed for the fraudulent activities 

(“ALCOs”), risk managers, senior

he perpetrated against Allfirst. Other Treasury

management and Allfirst internal auditors,

and Internal Audit staff in Allfirst were 

did not appreciate the risks associated with

also dismissed.

6

Both AIB and Allfirst will work with the

Risk Officer will be filled by an external

relevant regulators to ensure that any concerns

appointee in the near future.When the

they may have are addressed.

position of Head of Group Internal Audit

The AIB Board has decided on a rapid

next falls vacant, it will be filled by an

acceleration of an organisational strategy which

external appointment on a fixed term

commenced last year involving greater focus

contract rather than by a permanent

on customer relationships by front line business

employee of the Group.

units across the Group together with a simpler,

more streamlined, integrated Group support

(3) Implement the decision to centralise the

structure. In addition, measures are being taken

management and control of all treasury

to strengthen controls across the Group,

activities throughout AIB Group in AIB

consistent with the findings and

recommendations of the Report.

Capital Markets in Dublin and to cease 

all proprietary treasury activities in Allfirst 

and Poland Division. In that context First

The Board also decided to:

Manhattan Consulting Group has been

(1) Appoint an individual of international

appointed as an external expert to advise the

standing to review, and advise, the AIB

management of AIB Capital Markets on the

Board on Risk Management Organisation

centralisation process, to confirm that it will

across the Group.

be completed on a basis which will leave the

Group with a control environment which

(2) Reaffirm the decision to combine the

maintains the highest standards.

Finance and Risk functions across the

Group under Mr Gary Kennedy, Group

(4) Introduce a more integrated Corporate

Director Finance, Risk, Enterprise

Governance structure by strengthening the

Networks and eBusiness. Reporting to 

links between the main AIB Board and the

Mr Kennedy will be the Chief Risk

Boards of major subsidiaries. Accordingly

Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Head of

two AIB Group non-executive directors

Group Internal Audit and Head of Group

will sit on each of the Boards of Allfirst,

Compliance. Both of these latter functions

AIB Group (UK) plc and BZ WBK.

will have direct responsibility Groupwide.

The Heads of Group Internal Audit and

(5) Appoint Mr Eugene Sheehy, previously

Group Compliance each will have separate

Managing Director of AIB Bank Republic

direct reporting lines to the AIB Board

of Ireland, as Chief Executive Designate of

Audit Committee.The position of Chief

our North American business.

7

Directors

Lochlann Quinn
B Comm, FCA
Chairman

Deputy Chairman of Glen
Dimplex and a Director of
Glen Dimplex related
companies in the UK, France,
Germany, Holland and
Canada. Board Member of the Michael Smurfit
Graduate School of Business at University College
Dublin. Joined the Board in 1995 and appointed
Chairman in 1997. (Age 60)

Michael Buckley*
MA, LPh, MSI 
Group Chief Executive

Joined the Board in 1995.
Former Managing Director,
AIB Poland Division and of
AIB Capital Markets Division.
Former Managing Director,
NCB Group and public servant in Irish Government
and EU. Chairman of the Review Body on Higher
Remuneration in the Public Sector from 1995 to
2001. (Age 56)

Frank P Bramble*

Chief Executive, USA
Division and Chairman of
Allfirst Financial Inc., which
he joined in 1994. Chairman
of the Baltimore Center for
the Performing Arts, Chairman
of the University of Maryland
Medical Systems, Member of the Baltimore Downtown
Partnership, and Director of Constellation Energy.
Joined the Board in 1998. (Age 53)

Padraic M Fallon
BBS, MA, FRSA

Chairman of Euromoney
Institutional Investor PLC and
Director of Daily Mail &
General Trust Plc in Britain.
Joined the Board in 1988.
(Age 55)

Dermot Gleeson
BA, L lM 

Director of Independent
News and Media PLC. Served
as Attorney General 
of Ireland and a member of
the Council of State from
1994 to 1997. Chaired the

Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public
Sector from 1986 to 1992. Joined the Board in 2000.
(Age 53)

Don Godson
BE, MIE, FIEI, C Eng

Director and former Chief
Executive of CRH plc.
Chairman of Project
Management Holdings 
Ltd. Board Member of the
Michael Smurfit Graduate
School of Business at University College Dublin.
Joined the Board in 1997. (Age 62)

Adrian Burke
B Comm, FCA

Deputy President of the
Institute of Chartered
Accountants in Ireland and
Council Member of the
Institute of European Affairs.
Former Managing Partner of

Derek A Higgs
BA, FCA

Chairman of Partnerships 
UK plc and Business in the
Environment, and a Senior
Adviser to UBS Warburg.
Deputy Chairman of The
British Land Company PLC,

Arthur Andersen and former Chairman of the Joint
Ethics Board of the Institutes of Chartered
Accountants in Ireland, Scotland, and England and
Wales. Joined the Board in 1997. (Age 60)

Director of Egg plc, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. and
London Regional Transport. Former Chairman of
S.G.Warburg & Co. Ltd. and former Director of
Prudential plc. Joined the Board in 2000. (Age 57)

8

Gary Kennedy*
BA, FCA

Group Director Finance, Risk
and Enterprise Networks &
eBusiness. Joined AIB and
appointed to the Board in
1997. Member of the Board
of the Industrial Development

Agency and member of the Galway University
Foundation. Former Vice President Enterprise Networks
Europe and Managing Director, Northern Telecom
(Ireland) Ltd. (Age 43)

John B McGuckian
BSc Econ

Chairman of Ulster Television
plc and a Director of a
number of other companies in
Ireland and the UK. Former
Pro-Chancellor of The
Queen’s University, Belfast,
and former Chairman of The International Fund for
Ireland and of the Industrial Development Board for
Northern Ireland. Joined the Board in 1977. (Age 62)

Jim O’Leary
MA Econ

Joined the Board in
December 2001. Lecturer 
in economics at National
University of Ireland,
Maynooth. Member of the
Public Sector Benchmarking
Body. Former Chief Economist at Davy Stockbrokers
and former Director of Aer Lingus and the National
Statistics Board. (Age 45)

Michael J Sullivan
JD

Served as US Ambassador to
Ireland from January 1999 to
June 2001. Governor of the
State of Wyoming between
1987 and 1995. Has served 
as a Director of Wyoming

National-West Bank and on the Board of Advisors of
Norwest/Wyoming Bank. Member of the Bar, State
of Wyoming. Joined the Board in July 2001. (Age 62)

Carol Moffett

Joined the Board in 1995.
Former member of the Board
of Co-operation Ireland and
former Director of the Irish
Trade Board. Fellow of the
Irish Management Institute.
(Age 49)

*Executive Directors

Board committees
Audit Committee
Adrian Burke, Chairman 
(from 1 June 2001)
Don Godson, Chairman 
(to 31 May 2001)
Dermot Gleeson
Derek A Higgs 
(from 1 June 2001)
Michael J Sullivan 
(from 1 November 2001)

Nomination and Remuneration
Committee
Lochlann Quinn, Chairman
Adrian Burke (to 31 May 2001)
Derek A Higgs (from 1 June 2001)
John B McGuckian

Social Affairs Committee
Carol Moffett, Chairman
Michael Buckley
(to 31 May 2001)
Padraic M Fallon
Don Godson
(from 1 June 2001)

9

Group Chief Executive’s review

The e789 million (US$691 million) loss through fraud in Allfirst’s Treasury has

overshadowed what was otherwise a very solid year of progress throughout the AIB Group

in 2001.

This progress was made against the background of slowing economies and the shocking

events of 11 September.

The findings of the independent inquiry

Finally and very importantly, we will

conducted by Mr Eugene A. Ludwig, his

continue to work hard to ensure that

colleagues at Promontory Financial Group 

momentum is sustained in our core businesses.

and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and the

If you read through the detailed breakdown

actions taken by the AIB Board are detailed 

and commentary on our 2001 results in this

on pages 6 and 7 of this report.

report, you will see how good AIB's

As a company, we have acted in a

underlying performance was last year.The

determined, decisive, open and timely 

operating review also covers some 

fashion since the loss was revealed.

of the significant events in each of the 

Our focus now is on continuing to work

AIB divisions.

with our regulators so as to ensure that their

When I became Chief Executive in June

requirements are fully met.We will work to

2001 I said that my vision for AIB was that our

conclude aspects of the investigation which

company should be recognised, wherever it

were not central to Mr Ludwig's own task but

operates, as outstanding for the quality of its

which he has advised us to pursue.

customer proposition.

10

This entails:

AIB will demonstrate resilience in difficult

•

applying a relationship-based model of

times.With our new strategy now rolling out

retail and commercial banking vigorously

across the organisation and lessons learned

and consistently across all of our franchises.

from the Allfirst loss, I look forward with

•

streamlining our support infrastructure so 

confidence to a successful 2002.

as to make it more efficient.

My commitment to this agenda is total.

AIB is a well-capitalised profitable company

which has consistently produced 

a high return on shareholders’ equity.

We have a thriving retail and commercial

business based in strong franchises in four

geographies, as well as a number of niche

businesses with real competitive advantage 

and brand value.

Michael Buckley

Group Chief Executive

22 March 2002

11

Operating review

tax, with a corresponding credit
to revenue reserves. It is not
included in the calculation of 
the tier 1 and total capital ratios.

Change in divisional
structure
Under the new structure,
announced in February 2001,
AIB Bank division was divided
into AIB Bank Republic of
Ireland and AIB Bank Great
Britain & Northern Ireland 
(‘AIB Bank GB & NI’). A new
division, Enterprise Networks 
and eBusiness, was also established.

Forward looking
statements
A number of statements we make
in this document will not be
based on historical fact, but will
be “forward-looking” statements
within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ
materially from those projected 
in the “forward-looking”
statements. Factors that could
cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the
“forward-looking” statements
include, but are not limited to,
global, national and regional
economic conditions, levels of
market interest rates, credit or
other risks of lending and
investment activities, competitive
and regulatory factors and
technology change.

Exceptional foreign
exchange dealing losses
On 6 February 2002, the Group
announced that investigations 
had commenced into foreign
exchange trading operations at its
US subsidiary, Allfirst Bank.The
investigations have indicated that
fraudulent activities have given
rise to losses in the amount of
US$ 691.2 million.The periods
in which the losses arose extend
back to 1997. In accordance with
Irish GAAP the total costs arising
from the fraud have been
reflected by way of an exceptional
pre-tax charge of _ 789 million
(after tax _ 513 million) in the
accounts for the year ended 
31 December 2001.

Implementation of
Financial Reporting
Standard 17 – Retirement
benefits (‘FRS 17’)
The Group has adopted FRS 17 
in the accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2001. Prior
year results have been restated.
Details of the change are
included in the accounting
policies on page 44. This change
in accounting policy increased
profit on ordinary activities
before taxation by _ 39 million
in 2001 (2000: _ 23 million).
This will be a recurring item
and it is expected, based on
current assumptions, that the
benefit in 2002 will be broadly
similar to 2001.

Under FRS 17 the net

surplus within a pension scheme
is recognised as an asset on the
balance sheet, net of deferred

12

Summary profit and loss account

Year
2001
as
reported
d m

Net interest income

Other finance income (FRS 17 - see note 13)

Other income

Total operating income

Staff costs

Other costs

Integration costs in continuing businesses

Depreciation and amortisation

Total operating expenses

Group operating profit before provisions

Provisions for bad and doubtful debts

Other provisions

Total provisions

Group operating profit - continuing activities

Income from associated undertakings

Profit on disposal of property

Profit on disposal of business

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation

(1) Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses (note 8(b)).
(2) Deposit interest retention tax (note 5).

2,293

67

637

2,997

1,348

703

38

195

2,284

713

179

25

204

509

4

6

93

612

Year
2001
before
exceptional
d m

Year
2000
restated before

exceptional(2)
d m

%
Change
excl.
exceptionals

Exceptional

item(1)

d m

–

–

789

789

–

–

–

–

–

789

–

–

–

2,293

67

1,426

3,786

1,348

703

38

195

2,284

1,502

179

25

204

2,022

71

1,304

3,397

1,192

634

–

171

1,997

1,400

133

1

134

789

1,298

1,266

–

–

–

4

6

93

3

5

–

789

1,401

1,274

13

-6

9

11

13

11

–

14

14

7

34

–

52

3

–

–

–

10

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation at _ 612 million was down 47%. Excluding exceptional
items in both years, Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation at _ 1,401 million was up 10%. Adjusted
earnings per share (note 21) at EUR 119.4c per share showed an increase of 12%.The second half-year profit on
ordinary activities before taxation of _ 716 million (before exceptional item) was up 4% on the first half. Slower
economic conditions in the second half were exacerbated by the events of 11 September 2001 in the US and had
an impact on subsequent revenue growth across the Group, however asset quality remained strong.

13

Operating review

The following commentary on the
profit and loss account and
balance sheet headings is based on
underlying percentage growth
adjusting for the impact of
currency movements.

Net interest income
Net interest income increased 
by 11% to d 2,293 million
compared with the year 2000.
Loans to customers and customer
accounts increased by 10% and
11% respectively.

The net interest margin

amounted to 3.03%, an increase of
1 basis point on 2000.There was a
22 basis point increase in the
Allfirst margin reflecting higher
loan margins and positioning to
benefit from lower interest rates.
In Capital Markets the margin
was higher also due to positioning
for lower interest rates.These
increases were partly offset by
tighter deposit margins across the
Group, particularly in Poland
where interest rates reduced by
7.5% during 2001.The margin in
AIB Bank Republic of Ireland
was broadly stable.The domestic
margin benefited by 3 basis points
from interest earned on _ 500
million tier 1 capital raised in
February 2001.

Loans to customers and customer accounts 
(excluding money market funds and currency factors)

% Change December 2001 v December 2000

Risk weighted
assets
% Change

Loans to
customers
% Change

Customer
accounts
% Change

Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland

Britain

USA

Poland

AIB Group

16

8

18

4

4

11

14

8

18

-1

11

10

14

3

18

10

9

11

The divisional commentary on pages 18 to 23 contains additional comments on the key business

trends in relation to loans to customers and customer accounts.

Net interest margin 

Half-year
Half-year
Dec 2001 June 2001
%

%

Basis
points
change

2.72

3.50

2.67

3.16

3.12

2.93

+5

+34

+19

Year
2001
%

2.69

3.34

Year
2000

Basis
points
% change

2.75

3.23

–6

+11

Domestic

Foreign

Total

3.03

3.02

+1

Average interest earning assets 

Half-year
Half-year
Dec 2001 June 2001
d m

d m

%
Change

Year
2001
d m

Year
2000
d m

%
Change

37,541

33,258

40,308

40,042

77,849

73,300

13

1

6

Domestic

35,417

29,819

Foreign

40,176

37,207

Total

75,593

67,026

19

8

13

14

Other income
Other income at o 637 million
decreased by 51% in the year
under review. Excluding the
exceptional item, other income
was up 5% and as a percentage 
of total operating income was
39.4%.

Banking fees and commissions

increased reflecting higher
business volumes with strong
growth in retail banking,
corporate banking and credit card
revenues and the inclusion of
Community Counselling Service
Co., Inc (‘CCS’) in the USA
which was acquired in May 2001.
Asset management fees were
impacted by the decline in equity
markets which resulted in a fall in
asset values and client volumes.
Investment banking fees were up
4% due to growth in corporate
finance fees and international
financial services activities.
Dealing profits were down due to
lower profit on trading securities.
Dealing profits reflect trading
income and exclude interest
payable and receivable arising
from these activities. Ark Life
profit was down 12% reflecting
lower product margins as a result
of a change in mix of sales with
customers opting for a larger
proportion of risk averse products
reflecting weaker investment
markets.The reduction in equity
values also had an influence on
embedded value profits and the
contribution in 2000 benefited
from a higher impact of
recognising reduced corporation
tax rates in the Republic 
of Ireland.

Other income

Dividend income

Banking fees and commissions

Asset management fees

Investment banking fees

Year
2001
o m

11

962

185

111

Year
2000
o m

6

807

187

107

Fees and commissions receivable

1,258

1,101

Less: fees and commissions payable

Dealing profits

(128)

92

Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

(789)

Contribution of life assurance company

Other 

Other operating income

84

109

193

(108)

103

–

95

107

202

Total other income

637

1,304

Underlying
% Change
excl exceptional

62

17

–2

4

12

16

–11

–

–12

–5

–8

5

Total operating expenses 
Operating expenses excluding
integration costs in continuing
businesses at o 2,246 million
were up 10% compared with
2000.

Operating expenses included
the operating costs of CCS and
some one-off items.The material
items impacting on the growth
included euro conversion costs,
market related salary adjustments
in Ireland and the USA and
health insurance costs in the
USA, an industry wide factor. In
addition, there were costs relating
to the investment in and

Operating expenses

Staff costs

Other costs

Depreciation and amortisation

expansion of our businesses in
Poland and Allied Irish America.
Excluding these costs and euro
conversion, cost growth was circa
8% with the outcome in 2002
expected to be approximately 6%.
The Group’s tangible cost income
ratio, excluding exceptional items,
goodwill amortisation and
integration costs in continuing
businesses, was 58.5% compared
to 58.0% for the year to
December 2000.

Integration costs in

continuing businesses related to
the merger of WBK and BZ in
Poland.

Year
2001
o m

Year
2000
o m

Underlying
% Change
2001 v 2000

1,348

1,192

703

195

634

171

Operating expenses before integration costs

2,246

1,997

Integration costs in continuing businesses

38

–

Total operating expenses

2,284

1,997

11

9

11

10

–

12

15

Operating review

Provisions
Total provisions were o 204
million compared with o 134
million in 2000.

The provision for bad and doubtful
debts in the year to December
2001 was o 179 million compared
with o 133 million in 2000,
however 2001 contains an
additional unallocated credit
provision of o 50 million.This
unallocated provision is designed
to provide an additional provision
pool at Group level against the
impact that the international
macroeconomic downturn may
have had on asset quality.Total
non-specific provisions amounted
to o 454 million at December
2001 representing 0.9% of average
loans which is approximately three
times current bad debt experience.
Including the additional
unallocated o 50 million credit
provision, the charge in 2001
amounted to 0.36% of average
loans compared with 0.30% of
average loans in 2000.

In AIB Bank Republic of
Ireland and AIB Bank GB & NI,
asset quality remained strong with
non-performing loans at 0.9%
and 1.3% of loans respectively.
In Allfirst, profit and loss
provisions remained at the same
level as 2000. Non-performing
assets decreased from US$ 108
million at 31 December 2000 to
US$ 89 million at 31 December
2001, however the underlying
trend is more reflected in a 
US$ 2 million increase since 
30 June 2001. Coverage for 
non-performing loans is now
almost 200%.

Provisions

Bad and doubtful debts

Contingent liabilities and commitments

Amounts written off/(written back) 

fixed asset investments

Total provisions

In Poland, provisions reduced

due to the use of fair value
provisions created on acquisition
and slightly better bad debt
experience in Bank Zachodni
WBK (‘BZWBK’). Non-
performing loans, at 18% of total
loans, remained at the same level
as 31 December 2000.

Group non-performing 
loans as a percentage of total
loans amounted to 2.0% or 
0.8% excluding Poland, and 
coverage for non-performing
loans remained strong at 97%
(168% excluding Poland).

The provision for contingent
liabilities and commitments in 
the year to December 2001 
was s 19 million compared to 
s 2 million for 2000 due mainly
to a provision in relation to one
specific case.

Profit on disposal of
business
AIB sold its interests in Keppel
Capital Holdings Ltd. (‘KCH’) 
in August 2001.The financial
impact of the sale was a profit 
of s 93 million. In addition,
the 1999 Singapore $ 351 million
three year senior bonds with
warrants were fully redeemed 
at par.

Year
2001
o m

179

19

6

204

Year
2000
o m

133

2

(1)

134

Taxation
The taxation charge was 
s 55 million, or s 331 million
excluding the exceptional item,
compared with s 319 million 
in 2000. Excluding the
exceptional item in both years
the effective tax rate for 2001 
was 23.6%, down from 25.8% in
2000.The effective tax rate was
25.3% excluding the KCH profit
and the exceptional item.The
decrease in this rate was mainly
due to the reduction in the rate
of Irish corporation tax and was
also influenced by the geographic
and business mix of profits.

Return on equity
and return on assets
The adjusted return on equity,
which excludes the impact of
the exceptional item and FRS
17, was 20.5% compared with
21.6% in 2000. Under FRS 17,
the net surplus in the pension
fund is recognised as an asset on
the balance sheet, net of deferred
tax, with a consequential
increase in shareholders’ funds
(2001: s 280 million; 2000:
s 648 million). Excluding the
exceptional item the return on
assets was 1.28% and the
adjusted return on risk weighted
assets, a measure of the efficient
use of capital, was 1.66%.

16

Balance sheet
Total assets at s 89 billion at 
31 December 2001 were up 
s 9 billion since 31 December 
2000, an increase of 8% on an
underlying basis while loans to
customers increased by 10% 
and customer accounts by 11%.
The Polish zloty, US dollar and
sterling strengthened against 
the euro by 10%, 6% and 3%
respectively, resulting in reported
balance sheet growth of 11%.
Risk weighted assets increased by
14% to s 69 billion, 11%
excluding currency factors.

Assets under management/
administration and custody
Assets under management in the
Group were s 38 billion at 
31 December 2001.Assets 
under administration and custody
increased from s 214 billion at 
31 December 2000 to s 270 billion
at 31 December 2001.This growth
of 26% reflects principally the
further success of the AIB joint
venture with the Bank of New
York which was established in 1997.

Capital ratios 
The Group’s capital ratios remained
at a satisfactory level in 2001.
Although negatively impacted by
the exceptional foreign exchange
dealing losses, the tier 1 ratio
increased from 6.3% in 2000 to
6.5% at 31 December 2001 and the
total capital ratio was 10.1%.Tier 1
capital increased by s 0.7 billion to
s 4.5 billion reflecting the issue of 
s 500 million of 7.5% Step-up
Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital
Instruments on 5 February 2001
and stronger exchange rates.Tier 2

capital decreased by s 184 million
since December 2000 reflecting
redemptions of s 311 million, partly
offset by currency movements.

Cash flow
As reflected in the consolidated
cash flow statement, there was
a net increase in cash of 
s 377 million during the year
ended 31 December 2001.
Net cash inflow from operating
activities was s 231 million.There
was a cash inflow from capital
expenditure of s 700 million,
consisting mainly of net disposals
of debt and equity securities of 
s 998 million offset by
expenditure on property and
equipment of s 328 million.This
cash inflow was offset by outflows
of s 242 million for taxation and
equity dividends of s 334 million.
Financing, primarily the issue of
the s 500 million reserve capital
instruments, offset by the
redemption of subordinated
liabilities of s 311 million,
generated a net cash inflow 
of s 208 million.

Euro
One of the most important
challenges which AIB faced in
2001, was the preparation for the
changeover to euro together with
the distribution of euro notes and
coins.Total cumulative spend on
the conversion programme
amounted to s 42 million 
(s 26 million in 2001),
principally related to systems
development, customer
communications and staff
education programmes. It is
estimated that further expenditure

of s 3 million will be required 
in 2002 to complete the project.

Outlook 
The loss of US$ 691 million
arising from the fraudulent
foreign exchange activities at
Allfirst has reduced attributable
profit in 2001 by 51% and the tier
1 capital ratio to 6.5%.The Group’s
capital base is strong and is so
regarded by regulators and rating
agencies. Consequently, ongoing
future performance of the Group
will not be impaired by this
reduction in capital.

Underlying earnings per share
growth in 2001 amounted to 8%
approximately.This translated into
an adjusted earnings per share 
of EUR 116c as a base figure for
2002 comparison with 2001. In
2002 we are targeting mid single-
digit growth in adjusted earnings
per share.While our asset quality
remains resilient, the current
international economic outlook is
uncertain, as is the potential impact
of turbulent business conditions on
our customers.The Irish economy
remains fundamentally strong and
competitive, there are signs of
recovery in the United States, the
United Kingdom has proved
resilient and interest rates have
reduced significantly in Poland,
consequently there are signs for
optimism particularly for the
second half of 2002. Our franchises
are deep across our markets, our
focus on customer relationships is
proving increasingly beneficial
and productivity is planned to
further improve in all divisions.
We look forward to continuing to
create strong shareholder value into
the medium-term.

17

Divisional commentary 

On a divisional basis profit 
is measured in euro and
consequently includes the 
impact of currency movements.
The profit statements by division
have been restated to reflect the
adoption of FRS 17 and the new
divisional structure.

AIB Bank Republic of Ireland 
profit and loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Total operating expenses

AIB Bank Republic of Ireland
profit was d 562 million,
up 9% on the year to
December 2000.

Operating profit before provisions

Provisions

Operating profit - continuing activities

Profit on disposal of property

Year
2001
o m

843

43

359

Year
2000
o m

738

46

357

1,245

1,141

641

604

44

560

2

% Change
2001 v 2000

14

–6

1

9

8

10

24

9

–33

9

593

548

36

512

4

516

AIB Bank Republic of Ireland
Retail and commercial banking
operations in Republic of Ireland,
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man;
AIB Finance and Leasing;
Card Services; and AIB’s life 
and pensions subsidiary Ark Life
Assurance Company.

Banking operations in the
Republic of Ireland produced 
a strong performance despite 
a reduction in Irish GDP growth
rate from 11.5% in 2000 to an
estimated 6.5% in 2001. Profit
increased due to good growth 
in business volumes, loans up
13% and customer accounts up
14% since December 2000.
There was a notable 20%
increase in Home Mortgage
lending since December 2000,
which was approximately 3%
higher than the rest of the
market. Deposit volumes were
buoyant reflecting our strong
customer base, and AIB led the
market in the introduction of 
its Special Savings Incentive
Account (‘SSIA’) products
offering and achieved above its
natural market share in these

18

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

562

personal savings products by the
year-end. AIB is confident that 
it will achieve an overall market
leading position in SSIAs. AIB
Finance and Leasing performed
particularly well, benefiting from
better margins and good growth
in loan volumes.

Costs increased by 8% as a

result of growth in business
activity levels, some one-off euro
costs, salary increases reflecting
the National Programme for
Prosperity and Fairness and a
once-off realignment of salaries 
to market rates. Notwithstanding
the increase in costs, efficiency
improved and the cost income
ratio reduced from 52% to 51%.
In 2001, AIB announced 
a joint initiative with An Post
which will provide AIB customers
with access to approximately
1,000 additional outlets for a
specified range of transactions.
The initiative will allow AIB
customers to lodge and withdraw
cash from their accounts using
their local post office from the
second half of 2002.

Ark Life marked its 10th
anniversary with profit of 
d 84 million and another record
year in new business sales. Profit
was down 12% on 2000 reflecting
lower product margins as a result
of a change in mix of sales with
customers opting for a larger
proportion of risk averse products
reflecting weaker investment
markets.The reduction in equity
values also had an influence on
embedded value profits. In
addition, the year 2000 benefited
from a higher impact of
recognising reduced corporation
tax rates in the Republic of
Ireland. New regular premium
business increased by 43% to 
d 147 million including a 12%
increase in new regular pensions
to d 31 million. Despite a
difficult year for markets new
single premium sales again
exceeded a half billion euro at 
d 530 million. Annual Premium
Equivalent (APE) sales were up
27% to d 200 million.

AIB Bank GB & NI
profit and loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Total operating expenses

Operating profit before provisions

Provisions

Operating profit - continuing activities

Profit on disposal of property

Year
2001
o m

336

3

161

500

259

241

19

222

1

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

223

Year
2000
o m

318

4

151

473

248

225

20

205

–

205

% Change
2001 v 2000

6

–21

7

6

5

7

–7

8

–

8

AIB Bank GB & NI profit
was d 223 million, up 
8% on the year to 
December 2000.

AIB Bank GB & NI Retail and
commercial banking operations in
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The increase in profit reflects good
performances in both Northern
Ireland and Britain in less buoyant
economic conditions.

On a constant currency basis
profit increased by 10% reflecting
higher business volumes and good
growth in fee income. Branch
loans and deposits both increased
by 8% with good performances in
business loans, current accounts
and index linked savings products.
Operating costs were well
managed with the cost income
ratio remaining at 52%. Credit
quality remained strong with the
bad debt charge lower than 2000.
A focus on high potential

sectors has yielded further
expansion of the business,
particularly from the professional
sector.The not-for-profit sector is
performing exceptionally well
with a broadening of the target
market to include universities and
schools. Significant investment is
planned with the objective of
increasing business development
capacity and the number of
outlets. In the personal sector
there was strong growth in the
home mortgage book in line with
our intention to focus on selected
market segments.

19

Divisional commentary 

USA reported a loss of 
d 434 million.

USA includes Allfirst and 
Allied Irish America. Allfirst has
banking operations in Maryland,
Pennyslvania,Virginia and
Washington DC. Allied Irish America
includes retail and corporate operations
in New York, Philadelphia, Los
Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and
Atlanta and Community Counselling
Services (‘CCS’).

The profit has reduced from 
d 355 million to a loss of d 434
million due to the fraudulent
foreign exchange trading activities
at Allfirst treasury operations.

Allfirst - A 22 basis point increase
in the net interest margin and 
a 4% increase in other income,
excluding the exceptional item,
contributed to total revenue
growth of 4%. Highlights of the
other income growth include 
a 17% increase in electronic
banking income and a 14%
increase in deposit service
charges. SME and mid-market
lending, which increased by 4%,
was offset by curtailment of
exposures to less attractive
segments and the run-off of the
residential mortgages portfolio
following Allfirst’s exit from this
line of business in 1998. Core
deposits increased by 10% partly
due to a high level of short-term
deposits at 31 December 2001.
Costs were up 3% mainly due 
to higher pension and healthcare
costs. Non-staff operating 
costs were down 5% compared
with 2000.

20

9

–46

17

12

15

7

1

8

Year Exceptional
2001
as
reported
d m

d m

item(1)

Year
2001
before
exceptional
d m

Year
2000

%
Change
excl.
exceptional

d m

USA profit & loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Total operating expenses

Operating profit before 

provisions

Provisions

584

2

(343)

243

638

(395)

39

–

–

789

789

–

789

–

584

537

2

4

446

381

1,032

638

922

554

394

39

368

38

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities 

before taxation

(434)

789

355

330

(1)The exceptional item refers to the fraudulent foreign exchange trading activities at Allfirst Bank.

Notwithstanding the

exceptional loss, Allfirst capital
ratios remained strong with the
tier 1 ratio at 7.0% and the total
capital ratio at 10.6%. Allfirst has
trust preferred capital of 
US$ 397 million of which 
US$ 120 million is in excess 
of the regulatory 25% limit for
inclusion within tier 1 capital. If
this capital was included in tier 1
capital, the ratio would be 7.7%.

Allied Irish America - Profit was
lower in 2001 due to substantial
investment costs incurred in
relation to the expansion of 
the geographic network 
and enhanced technology
infrastructure. On an underlying
basis there was strong growth 
in business volumes which was
reflected in a 41% increase in
underlying fee income and
growth of 27% in risk weighted
assets, mainly letters of credit.
The New York based
Community Counselling

Services Co., Inc. (‘CCS’) was
acquired by the Group in 
May 2001. CCS is the largest
consulting firm to the not-for-
profit sector worldwide. CCS is
engaged primarily in the design
and direction of fundraising
initiatives for national and
international charities, religious 
organisations and educational
institutions.

In January 2002, AIB

announced that it had reached
an agreement to acquire
Ketchum Canada, Inc., a
fundraising consultancy which
operates across Canada with
main offices in Toronto,
Montreal, Calgary and
Vancouver. Ketchum was
founded in 1984 and has
assisted more than 600 clients 
in the Canadian not-for-profit
sector in raising approximately
Canadian $1.5 billion.

Capital Markets profit was 
d 194 million, up 22% on the
year to December 2000.

Capital Markets Corporate
Banking, Investment Banking 
and Treasury & International.

The 22% growth in profit
reflected buoyant customer
activity and a strong treasury
performance.

Corporate Banking had a record
year, reporting a significant
increase in profit. Loans were 
up 29% since December 2000
and fee income was particularly
strong. In Ireland the business
performed very well and
completed a number of high
profile transactions for large
corporate clients. Business in
Britain continued to grow
strongly. The special finance 
unit which focuses on project
and acquisition finance arranged
and underwrote many significant
debt financing deals. The New
York business, which was
launched in 2001, exceeded first
year profit expectations despite
the downturn in US economic
activity. International business
conducted from the IFSC also
had a strong year.

Investment Banking profit
declined due to reduced
revenues resulting from lower
asset values and client volumes 
in asset management and
stockbroking businesses. The
International Financial Services
business has responded
successfully to the decline 

Capital Markets profit and loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Total operating expenses

Operating profit before provisions

Provisions

Operating profit - continuing activities

Income from associated undertakings

Year
2001
o m

210

8

305

523

296

227

38

189

5

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

194

Year
2000
o m

127

8

304

439

265

174

18

156

3

159

% Change
2001 v 2000

67

–

1

19

12

31

111

22

47

22

in IFSC licensed activities with
higher income streams from its
activities in Switzerland and
Hungary. There was a good
increase in corporate finance
fees, with our teams involved 
in many large transactions in 
the domestic market. There 
was a substantial growth in 
new business volumes in the
custody/trustee/fund
administration businesses.

Treasury & International
reported strong growth in 
profit principally reflecting 
a substantially increased
contribution from interest rate
management activities.Treasury
customer business also performed
strongly, and the Group
continued to maintain a strong
liquidity position in euro, US
dollar and sterling operations.

The division had higher credit
and investment provisions
reflecting the downturn in the
global economic environment.

21

Divisional commentary 

Poland profit and loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Operating expenses

Integration costs in continuing businesses

Total operating expenses(1)

Operating profit before provisions(1)

Provisions

Operating profit - continuing activities(1)

Profit on disposal of property

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation(1)

Year
2001
o m

275

–

163

438

358

38

396

42

9

33

3

36

Year
2000
o m

252

1

153

406

296

–

296

110

23

87

1

88

% Change
2001 v 2000

9

–

6

8

21

–

21

–27

–60

–19

–

–16

(1) Percentage growth excludes integration costs in continuing businesses.

Provisions reduced from 
d 23 million to d 9 million
reflecting the use of general
provisions which were created on
acquisition and slightly better bad
debt experience in BZWBK.

Poland profit was 
d 36 million for the
period.

Poland Bank Zachodni
WBK (‘BZWBK’), in
which AIB has a 70.5%
shareholding, together with its
subsidiaries and associates.

AIB successfully completed the
merger of its Polish operations
in 2001, bringing together WBK
and Bank Zachodni to form
Poland’s fifth largest bank.

Excluding merger costs 
profit on ordinary activities
before taxation was lower at 
d 74 million due to more
difficult market conditions.
Revenue growth of 8%
reflected slower economic
conditions in Poland. Loans and
deposits increased by 11% and
9% respectively. The net interest
margin declined reflecting
reduced deposit margins due to
substantially lower interest rates.
Other income growth of 6%
reflected growth of 54% in card
fees, a 12% increase in current
account fees and branch
commissions and a 7% increase
in foreign exchange profits
partly offset by lower brokerage
revenue as a result of the fall in
equity markets. On a constant
currency basis costs increased by
12%. The increase included
further progress in developing a
new branch technology platform
and the expansion of the
franchise with 68 new branches
opened and 67 new ATMs
installed in 2001.

22

Group/ENeB profit and loss account

Net interest income

Other finance income

Other income

Total operating income

Total operating expenses

Operating profit before provisions

Provisions

Operating profit – continuing activities

Income from associated undertakings

Profit on disposal of business

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation

Year
2001
o m

45

11

(8)

48

54

(6)

55

(61)

(1)

93

31

Year
2000
o m

50

8

(42)

16

41

(25)

(1)

(24)

–

–

(24)

Group/ENeB

Enterprise Networks and
eBusiness (‘ENeB’) - This
division which was established in
2001 manages the development
and implementation of AIB
Group’s information technology
and e-business strategy and
associated investments.These
activities include the
consolidation and optimisation 
of the technology infrastructure
with an emphasis on
prioritisation and leveraging
benefits across the Group.
Certain ENeB costs are not
allocated to other divisions.

Group includes interest income
earned on capital not allocated 
to divisions, the funding cost of
certain acquisitions, hedging costs
in relation to the translation of
foreign currency profits, and
central services costs.

Group reported a profit of 

d 31 million in the year to
December 2001, compared with 
a loss of d 24 million in 2000.
The profit includes d 93 million
from the sale of AIB’s interests in
KCH and the d 50 million
additional unallocated credit
provision created at Group 
level. Excluding these items,
the reduced loss was primarily
due to lower hedging costs 
on the translation of foreign
currency profits.

23

Financial review

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
It is the Group’s policy to maintain a strong capital base
and to utilise it efficiently in the Group’s development
as a diversified international banking group.

The following table shows AIB Group’s capital

resources at 31 December 2001 and 2000.

Shareholders’ funds – equity

Shareholders’ funds – non-equity

Equity and non-equity 

minority interests

Undated capital notes

Dated capital notes

2001

£ m

4,851

775

312

426

1,594

7,958

2000
Restated
£ m

4,944

264

272

413

1,836

7,729

Capital resources increased by £ 229 million during
the year ended 31 December 2001.The increase arose
primarily as a result of the issue of £ 500 million
7.5% Step-up Callable Perpetual Reserve Capital
Instruments (RCIs) on 5 February 2001.The value 
of the Polish zloty, US dollar and sterling strengthened
against the euro by 10%, 6% and 3% respectively,
resulting in a positive foreign currency translation
adjustment of £ 243 million.These increases were
offset by redemptions of dated capital notes of 
£ 311 million and the actuarial loss recognised in
retirement benefit schemes of £ 402 million.
In carrying out the Group’s overall capital
resources policy, a guiding factor is the supervisory
requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland which
applies a capital/risk assets ratio framework in
measuring capital adequacy.This framework analyses 
a bank’s capital into two tiers. It also applies risk
weightings to balance sheet and off-balance sheet
exposures, reflecting the credit and other risks
associated with broad categories of transactions and
counterparties, to arrive at a figure for risk weighted
assets. An internationally agreed minimum total
capital (to risk weighted assets) ratio of 8% and a
minimum tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) ratio 
of 4% are the base standards from which the Central
Bank of Ireland sets individual capital ratios for credit
institutions under its jurisdiction.

The EU Capital Adequacy Directive (CAD)

distinguishes the risks associated with a bank’s trading
book from those in its banking book.Trading book
risks are defined as those risks undertaken in order 
to benefit in the short-term from movements in
market prices such as interest rates, foreign exchange
rates and equity prices.The remaining risks, relating 
to the normal retail and wholesale banking activities,
are regarded as banking book risks.

As part of the Group’s capital management
activities, the Group manages its mix of capital by
currency in order to minimise the impact of exchange
rate fluctuations on the Group’s key capital ratios.

The Group’s capital ratios remained at a satisfactory

level with the tier 1 ratio at 6.5% and the total capital
ratio at 10.1%.Tier 1 capital increased by 1 0.7 billion
to 1 4.5 billion reflecting the issue of 1 500 million of
RCIs and the impact of stronger exchange rates.Tier 2
capital decreased by 1 184 million since December 2000
reflecting redemptions of 1 311 million, partly offset by
currency movements. Risk weighted assets increased by
14% to 1 69 billion, 11% excluding currency factors.

Capital ratios

Capital base

Tier 1 capital

Tier 2 capital

Supervisory deductions

Total capital

Risk weighted assets

Banking book:

On balance sheet

Off-balance sheet

Trading book:

Market risks

Counterparty and 

settlement risks

Total risk weighted assets

Capital ratios

Tier 1

Total

2001
£ m

4,479

2,742

7,221

294

6,927

2000
£ m

3,814

2,926

6,740

214

6,526

54,839

10,854

65,693

49,396

8,779

58,175

2,897

1,956

268

3,165

68,858

91

2,047

60,222

6.5%

10.1%

6.3%

10.8%

24

RISK MANAGEMENT
Taking and managing risk for 
an appropriate return is central 
to creating shareholder value.
Day-to-day risk management 
in AIB Group centres on three
major risks  – credit risk,
operational risk and market 
risk (including liquidity).

Credit risk is the exposure to
loss due to counterparty default
on credit obligations. It arises
mainly in the Group’s retail,
corporate, and interbank lending
portfolios. Credit risk also arises in
derivative contracts to the extent
that the default of a counterparty
to the derivative transaction
would expose the Group to the
need to replace existing contracts 
at prices that could be less
favourable than when the
contract was entered into.

Operational risk, which is
inherent in all business activities, is
the exposure to loss from
inadequate or failed internal
processes, people and systems 
or from external events. It
excludes business risks such as 
the risk to income or margins
from competitive pressure. Business
risk is discussed on page 27.

Market risk is the exposure 
to loss arising from adverse
movements in interest rates,
foreign exchange rates and 
equity prices. Liquidity risk is 
the exposure to loss from not
having sufficient funds available 
at an economic price to meet
actual and contingent customer
commitments. Market and liquidity 

Group-level risk management structure

Board of Directors

Group Chief Executive

Group Executive Committee

GCC
(credit risk)

Group ALCO
(market risk)

Group ORMCO
(operational risk)

risks are an integral part of retail
banking activities. Managing these
risks also provides opportunities
for treasury to add value through
position-taking.

Organisational structure for
managing risk
AIB Group’s organisational
structure for managing risk
includes a set of committees 
and delegated authorities.The
main Group-level committees are 
the Group Executive Committee,
the Group Credit Committee
(‘GCC’), the Group Asset and
Liability Committee (‘Group
ALCO’), and the Group
Operational Risk Management
Committee (‘Group ORMCO’).

Group risk is a Group-level risk
unit, independent of the divisions,
with responsibility for formulating
high-level credit, market and
operational risk policies, providing
independent review, influencing
effective management of the
Group’s balance sheet and
developing strategic risk
management initiatives.

The unit reports to the 
Chief Risk Officer (‘CRO’) 

who in turn reports to the 
Group Director of Finance,
Risk, Enterprise Networks 
and eBusiness.

Internal audit provides
independent assurance to the
Board Audit Committee in the
form of a written opinion on 
the adequacy and effectiveness 
of the risk management and
control framework in operation
throughout the Group.The risk
management processes for credit
risk, market risk and operational
risk are assessed and tested. In
addition to audit reports, internal
audit provides information on 
the overall control environment
to the management of the
individual divisions. A secondary
objective of internal audit is to
proactively influence executive
management to strengthen the
risk management and control
framework through the
implementation of best practices.

In undertaking its

responsibilities, internal audit
adopts a risk-based approach
which underpins the risk
management processes in place
across the Group. Businesses

25

Financial review

undertake self-assessments 
of operational risk and the
effectiveness of their controls 
in managing these risks.The
information contained in these
self-assessments is subject to
review by internal audit.There 
is a programme of ongoing
review of risk identification
standards and risk measurement
methodologies at business unit
level, which includes testing 
of the risk mitigators adopted 
by management.

Group compliance has
responsibility within its agreed
regulatory function for the
development of policies and
procedures to ensure compliance
with applicable law, regulations
and codes of practice with respect
to the conduct of business.
It has an independent
reporting line to the Board 
Audit Committee and provides
assurance to Group Management,
the Board Audit Committee and
regulatory bodies on the overall
standard of compliance
throughout the Group.

The Ludwig Report
Arising from the findings 
of the Ludwig Report, the 
Board of AIB announced a
number of actions to address the
issues raised by the fraudulent
foreign exchange trading activities
in Allfirst Bank. Specifically, it was
decided to:
– Appoint an individual of
international standing to review,
and advise the AIB Board on risk
management organisation across
the Group.

– Reaffirm the decision to
combine the Finance and Risk
functions across the Group under
Mr Gary Kennedy, Group
Director Finance, Risk,
Enterprise Networks and
eBusiness. Amongst those
reporting to Mr Kennedy will 
be the Chief Risk Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Head of Group
Internal Audit and Head 
of Group Compliance. Both 
of these latter functions will have
direct responsibility Groupwide.
The Heads of Group Internal
Audit and Group Compliance
each will have separate direct
reporting lines to the AIB Board
Audit Committee.The position
of Chief Risk Officer will 
be filled by an external appointee 
in the near future.When the
position of Head of Group
Internal Audit next falls vacant,
it will be filled by an external
appointment on a fixed term
contract rather than by a
permanent employee of the Group.
– Implement the decision to
centralise the management and
control of all treasury activities
throughout AIB Group in AIB
Capital Markets in Dublin and
cease all proprietary treasury
activities in Allfirst and Poland
Division. In that context First
Manhattan Consulting Group 
has been appointed as an
external expert to advise
management of AIB Capital
Markets on the centralisation
process and to confirm that it
will be completed on a basis
which will leave the Group with
a control environment which
maintains the highest standards.

Managing credit risk 
Credit risk is managed and
controlled throughout the Group
on the basis of established credit
processes and within a framework
of credit policy and delegated
authorities based on skill and
experience. Credit grading 
and monitoring systems
accommodate the early
identification and management 
of deterioration in loan quality. In
addition, the process is
underpinned by an independent
system of credit review.

The credit grading systems
across the Group continue to 
be refined to facilitate risk-based
pricing, economic provisioning,
attribution of capital and
performance evaluation.

The Board, in exercising 
its role in relation to credit risk,
has approved lending authorities 
for the GCC and approved
certain high-level credit policies.
The GCC considers and

approves credit exposures 
in excess of divisional
authorities. It comprises senior
divisional and Group
management. The Committee
approves key credit policies and
reviews strategic portfolio
management. It also reviews
trends in credit quality and
determines overall provision
adequacy.

Within Group Risk the credit

risk unit has functional
responsibility for credit risk across
the Group and provides executive
support to the GCC. Its role is 
to influence and support the
management of credit risk across
the Group by promoting 

26

high standards of professionalism
and best market practice. In
discharging its functional role,
it works closely with divisional
risk and credit management.
A key focus is to ensure that 
each division has robust credit
structures, processes and policies
to underpin their credit activities.

The unit has specific

responsibility to advise and report
independently to the Group
Chief Executive, the Audit
Committee and the Board on
credit policy, process, standards,
credit quality, and on the
adequacy of provisions.The 
unit presents a formal credit
report to the Board on a
quarterly basis.

A divisional credit policy
framework and credit review
process support the credit
management structure in each
division. Each division invests
significantly in developing the
professional skills of its lenders
and in the continuous
improvement of the credit
assessment, control and
monitoring processes. High
priority is given to having 
a credit culture that is resilient
through business cycles.

Managing operational risk 
The management of operational
risk is a line management
responsibility. It is supported 
by specialist functions that assist
and advise line management on
specific operational risks. Examples
include money laundering
prevention, compliance, business
continuity planning, information
security and insurance.This is 

supplemented by a structured
operational risk management
(‘ORM’) programme.

An element of AIB’s

structured ORM programme is 
an operational risk self-assessment
process.This process requires each
business within the Group to
assess its operational risks and 
the effectiveness of the related
controls to address these risks. It
complements the risk-based audit
approach applied by internal audit
in its role as independent assessor
of management’s control and risk
management processes.

The role of Group ORMCO

is to influence and co-ordinate
divisional actions in managing
operational risk.There is an
independent operational risk
management unit in Group Risk.
This unit has functional
responsibility for ORM policy 
on behalf of Group ORMCO.
The losses arising from the

fraudulent foreign exchange
trading activities in Allfirst,
discussed in more detail in the
Chairman’s statement on pages 
4 and 5, are operational risk
losses.While internal controls
over foreign exchange trading
activities had been established and
documented, the circumvention
of such controls and failure of
support functions with key roles
in testing controls to detect this
circumvention allowed the losses
to go undetected for an extended
period of time.

Managing business risk 
Identification and management 
of business risks are the
responsibility of line management 

and ultimately the Group
Executive Committee.The
Committee meets regularly 
to consider market and risk
developments across the Group’s
major areas of operation.

Business planning occupies 

a central role in the
management of AIB Group.
The Board formally approves 
the overall strategy and direction
of the business on an annual
basis and also receives regular
financial reports on actual results
against budget.

Managing market risk
Group ALCO is responsible 
for strategic balance sheet
management within the risk
policies approved by the Board.
It has a particular focus on capital
management, funding/liquidity,
market risk capacity and market
risk governance. It comprises
senior divisional and Group
management. In addition, there
are local ALCOs in the Republic
of Ireland, Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, the US and
Poland. Group ALCO policies
determine the basis for managing
the liquidity and interest rate risks
arising from the structure of the
Group’s balance sheet.

The CRO allocates market

risk limits to the divisional
market risk-taking units. Market
risks arising in the Group’s retail 
and commercial activities are
transferred to the relevant
treasury units.These units take
positions in marketable securities
and derivatives to mitigate these
risks.The local ALCOs are
responsible for identifying and

27

Financial review

measuring these risks and
transferring them to treasury.
The principal aims of the
Group’s market risk policies are to
limit the adverse impact of interest
rate, exchange rate and equity
price movements on profitability
and shareholder value, and to
enhance earnings within defined
risk parameters.The Group’s
policies and practices in relation 
to market risk management reflect
the following guiding principles:

(a) key market risk activities are 
subject to a Board-approved 
policy framework.

(b) market risk is substantially
centralised in the treasury
units,managed by skilled
personnel, and monitored
using appropriate systems 
and controls.

(c) market risk is measured 
and monitored by risk
management personnel
operating independently of
the risk-taking units.

Arising from the fraudulent
foreign exchange trading activities
in Allfirst Bank the Board decided
to centralise the management and
control of all treasury activities
throughout AIB Group in 
AIB Capital Markets Division in
Dublin and cease all proprietary
treasury activities in Allfirst and
Poland Division. In that context
First Manhattan Consulting
Group has been appointed to
advise the management of AIB
Capital Markets Division on the
centralisation process and to
confirm that it will be completed
on a basis which will leave the

Group with a control
environment which maintains 
the highest standards.

Liquidity risk
The objective of liquidity
management is to ensure that, at
all times, the Group holds sufficient
funds to meet its contracted and
contingent commitments to
customers and counterparties,
at an economic price.

The Group Liquidity Policy 
is designed to provide adequate
funding to cover both normal 
and abnormal working
conditions. It also incorporates 
a liquidity contingency plan for
critical situations.The policy
adopts a cash-flow based 
approach and specifies the
minimum amounts of high
quality liquidity stock required
for each major currency.This 
is calculated as a percentage of
retail and wholesale resources 
and undrawn credit facilities in
each major currency. In all cases,
net outflows are monitored on 
a daily basis and the required
minimum liquidity stock can be
increased if these outflows exceed
predetermined target levels.

The euro, US dollar, sterling

and the Polish zloty represent 
the most important currencies 
to AIB Group from a liquidity
perspective.The Group has 
an established retail deposit base 
in Ireland, Britain, the US 
and Poland to fund asset growth.
Although a significant element 
of these deposits are contractually
repayable on demand or at short
notice, the Group’s substantial
customer base and geographic

spread generally ensures that 
these current and deposit
accounts represent a stable 
and predictable source of funds.
The Group is also actively
involved in the interbank market
and may be, at times, a net
borrower from the market.

For a period following the
announcement of the fraudulent
foreign exchange trading activities
in Allfirst Bank on 6 February
2002, Group liquidity was
managed in accordance with 
the liquidity contingency plan.
During this period, Allfirst Bank
experienced a small decrease in
core deposits and the loss of most
of its Federal Funds Purchased
capacity. It was required, in the
interest of maintaining good
customer relations, to purchase
temporarily approximately 
US$ 300 million in variable rate
demand bonds (‘VRDB’) which
were backed by a standby letter of
credit. However, Allfirst Bank has
been a net seller of federal funds
as a result of actions taken under 
the liquidity contingency plan.
These have included the sale of
investment securities and receipt
of funding from AIB.

MARKET RISK
MEASUREMENT
Value at Risk (‘VAR’) is an
industry practice for market 
risk measurement. It provides 
an estimate of the potential loss
resulting from market movements
over a specified period of time
within a specified probability of
occurrence.

For internal risk measurement

and management purposes,

28

AIB Group applies a VAR
methodology whereby the risk 
is calculated as the probable
maximum loss in fair value over 
a one month period that would
arise from a ‘worst case’
movement in market rates
(interest, foreign exchange, equity,
as applicable).This ‘worst case’ is
based on an historical observation
of weekly price volatility over a
period of three years. AIB Group
raises the measured price
volatility to a 99% statistical
confidence level.VAR figures 
are quoted using both one-month
and one-day holding periods.

Recognising that the prices 
of similar financial instruments do
not move in exact step with each
other, the total risk for a portfolio
of different instruments is not the
same as the sum of the individual
risks. Having calculated the VAR
on a single instrument, the total
VAR for a portfolio of market
positions is adjusted to reflect 
the reality that the ‘worst case’
scenario is unlikely to occur 
in all markets simultaneously. AIB
Group uses an industry-practice
formula to take account of this
portfolio diversification impact
within each risk category. In
technical terms, this approach is
termed a variance-covariance
approach.

As with any market risk
measurement methodology,
the VAR system used by AIB 
has known limitations.These 
stem from the need to make
assumptions about the range of
likely changes in future market
rates in order to determine the
probable maximum loss in fair

value.To deal with this, AIB
supplements its VAR measure
with other techniques including
sensitivity analysis.

Special attention is required
for measuring the market risk 
of option portfolios because
the relationship between an
option’s value and the price 
of the underlying instrument 
can be quite complex. Option
values are affected by several
variables, including changes in
market volatility. A statistical
simulation methodology,
consistent with the variance-
covariance approach, is used 
to more accurately measure the
market risk in currency option
portfolios.The currency option
VAR figure is included in the
foreign exchange rate VAR
figures.The VAR on interest rate
options is computed by revaluing
these options under the
assumption that the worst case
movement in interest rates
occurs.This approach relies on
certain assumptions about
changes in the direction and
volatility of future interest rates.
The VAR on interest rate options
is included in the interest rate
VAR figures.

Interest rate risk
The Group Interest Rate Risk
Policy, as approved by the Board,
limits the Group’s exposure to
interest rate risk.The risk to AIB
Group is that changes in interest
rates will have adverse effects on
earnings and on the economic
value of its assets and liabilities.
Recognising this, the Group’s
tolerance limits for interest rate 

risk are established from both 
an earnings and economic value
perspective.These limits reflect the
Group’s prudential philosophy as a
retail/commercial bank.
In managing interest rate risk,
a distinction is made between
trading and non-trading activities.
Trading activities are recorded 
in the trading book. Interest rate
risk associated with the Group’s
retail and commercial activities 
is managed through the non-
trading book.The reported interest
rate VAR figures represent the
average, high, low and year-end
probable maximum loss in respect
of both trading and non-trading
book positions held in treasury.

Trading book
The interest rate trading book
incorporates all securities and
interest rate derivatives that are
held for trading purposes in the
Group’s treasury units.These 
are revalued daily at market prices
(marked to market) and any
changes in value are immediately
recognised in income. During
2001, trading book interest rate
risk was predominantly
concentrated in the euro, sterling
and the US dollar although
positions were also taken in
Polish zloty and a number of
other developed country markets.

Non-trading book
The Group’s non-trading book
consists of its retail and corporate
deposit and loan books, as well 
as the Group’s treasury interbank
cash books, and the Group’s
investment portfolios.The 
interest rate risks in the retail and

29

Financial review

The following table illustrates the VAR figures for interest rate risk for the 
years ended 31 December 2001 and 2000. 

Interest rate risk

1 month holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December 

1 day holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December

corporate deposit and loan books
are transferred to treasury and
managed using interest rate swaps
and other conventional hedging
instruments.

AIB Group’s banking

businesses have a substantial level
of interest-free current accounts,
equity and other interest-free 
or fixed rate liabilities and assets.
Unless carefully managed, the 
net income from these funds will
fluctuate directly with movements
in short-term interest rates.
Group policy is to manage the
earnings volatility arising from
the impact of interest rate
movements on such funds.The
‘structural’ risk position arising
from these funds is hedged by
maintaining a portfolio of assets
with interest rates fixed for several
years. In designing the hedges,
care is taken to ensure that the
management of the portfolio is
not inflexible, as market
circumstances and evolving
customer requirements can

Trading

2000
£ m

Non-trading

2001
£ m

2000
£ m

4.1

5.3

2.8

3.2

0.9

1.2

0.6

0.7

73.4

88.8

58.4

69.9

16.4

19.9

13.1

15.6

83.5

90.5

72.6

72.6

18.7

20.2

16.2

16.2

2001
£ m

9.5

12.0

7.3

9.6

2.1

2.7

1.6

2.2

change the desirable portfolio 
structure.

Interest rate sensitivity
The net interest rate sensitivity 
of the Group at 31 December
2001 and 2000 is illustrated in 
the tables on pages 32 and 33.
The interest sensitivity gap is split
by functional currency.The tables
set out details of those assets and
liabilities whose values are subject
to change as interest rates change
within each repricing time
period. Details regarding assets
and liabilities which are not
sensitive to interest rate
movements and any rate sensitive
off-balance sheet contracts are
also included.The tables show the
sensitivity of the balance sheet at
one point in time and are not
necessarily indicative of positions
at other dates. In developing the
classifications used in the tables it
has been necessary to make
certain assumptions and
approximations in assigning assets

and liabilities to different
repricing categories.

The tables do not take into
account the effect of interest rate
options used by the Group to
hedge its exposure. Details of
options are given in Note 50.

Foreign exchange rate risk -
structural
Structural foreign exchange rate
risk arises from the Group’s 
non-trading net asset position 
in foreign currencies. Structural risk
exposure arises almost entirely from
the Group’s net investments in its
sterling, US dollar and Polish
zloty-based subsidiaries.The Group
prepares its consolidated financial
statements in euro.Accordingly, the
consolidated balance sheet is
affected by movements in the
exchange rates between the above
functional currencies and the euro.
It is normal Group practice 

to match material individual
foreign currency investments
in overseas subsidiaries, associated
undertakings and branches, with
liabilities in the same currency.
However, Polish investments are
recorded in euro. Because of the
Group’s diversified international
operations, the currency profile of
its capital may not necessarily
match that of its assets and risk
weighted assets. Under Board-
approved policy, a sub-committee
of Group ALCO has delegated
responsibility for hedging this
structural mismatch against
adverse exchange rate movements.

30

risk.The exchange rate risk 
to AIB Group is that adverse
movements in foreign exchange
rates will decrease the value 
of the discretionary foreign
exchange portfolio. Group foreign
exchange rate risk is measured 
as the probable maximum loss 
in fair value (VAR) on the
aggregate open foreign exchange
position for the Group’s
discretionary portfolio.

The following table illustrates 

the VAR figures for trading
foreign exchange rate risk for the
years ended 31 December 2001
and 2000.These figures have not
been adjusted for the impact of
the fraudulent foreign exchange
trading activities in Allfirst.
However, were the figures
adjusted the positions would 
have exceeded the policy limits.

2001
£ m

2000
£ m

Foreign exchange rate risk-trading

1 month holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December 

2.1

4.4

0.5

4.4

1 day holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December 

0.5

1.0

0.1

1.0

2.2

3.8

0.9

1.9

0.5

0.9

0.2

0.4

At 31 December 2001 
and 2000, the Group’s structural
foreign exchange position was 
as follows:

US dollar

Sterling

Polish zloty

2001
£ m

1,375

1,185

209

2000
£ m

1,687

1,023

142

2,769

2,852

This position indicates that 
a 10% movement in the 
value of the euro against these
currencies at 31 December 2001
would result in an amount 
to be taken to reserves of 
o 277 million.

The Group may choose to
hedge all or part of its projected
future foreign currency earnings,
thereby fixing a translation rate
for the amount hedged.The
purpose of these hedges is to
minimise the risk of significant
fluctuations in the reported euro
values of the Group’s separate 
US dollar, sterling and Polish
zloty earnings. In the year ended
31 December 2001, certain US
dollar, sterling and Polish zloty
profits were hedged during 
the year and translated at 
the following exchange rates 
£1: US $0.9375; £1: Stg £0.6227;
£1: PLN 3.6582.

Foreign exchange rate risk –
trading 
The objective of the Group
Foreign Exchange Risk Policy,
as approved by the Board, is 
to limit the Group’s exposure 
to discretionary foreign exchange

31

Financial review

0-3
Months
1 m

3-6
Months
1 m

6-12
Months
1 m

1-5
Years
1 m

5 years +
1 m

Non-interest
bearing
1 m

Trading
1 m

Total
1 m

31 December 2001

Assets
Central govt. bills and
other eligible bills
Loans and advances 

to banks

Loans and advances 

to customers 

Debt securities
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Subordinated liabilities
Other liabilities
Shareholders’ funds

Total liabilities
Off-balance sheet items
affecting interest rate

sensitivity

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

32

16

4,764

35,669
5,126
–

45,575

9,862
36,666
3,813
496
112
–

29

537

2,365
1,469
–

4,400

2,151
1,792
601
113
–
–

–

143

2,034
2,195
–

–

33

–

–

–

570

4

–

6,242
4,400
–

5,088
3,110
–

–
–
11,261

–
3,782
–

49

6,047

51,398
20,082
11,261

4,372

10,675

8,198

11,831

3,786

88,837

713
1,470
298
209
–
–

47
2,302
89
664
–
–

110
582
232
538
–
496

340
11,745
–
–
8,266
5,130

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

13,223
54,557
5,033
2,020
8,378
5,626

88,837

–

88,837

50,949

4,657

2,690

3,102

1,958

25,481

2,801

117

(311)

(968)

(1,639)

–

53,750

4,774

2,379

(8,175)

(374)

1,993

2,134

8,541

319

25,481

7,879

(13,650)

3,786

(8,175)

(8,549)

(6,556)

1,985

9,864

(3,786)

–

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

(1,045)

(598)

724

3,997

2,137

(6,532)

1,935

(1,045)

(1,643)

(919)

3,078

5,215

(1,317)

618

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

(1,998)

(179)

317

3,184

2,889

(4,451)

(1,998)

(2,177)

(1,860)

1,324

4,213

(238)

710

472

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

(2,955)

(196)

139

1,555

2,963

(2,807)

814

(2,955)

(3,151)

(3,012)

(1,457)

1,506

(1,301)

(487)

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

(1,382)

(196)

744

(173)

(86)

(42)

177

(1,382)

(1,578)

(834)

(1,007)

(1,093)

(1,135)

(958)

0-3
Months
1 m

3-6
Months
1 m

6-12
Months
1 m

1-5
Years
1 m

5 years +
1 m

Non-interest
bearing
1 m

Trading
1 m

Total
1 m

31 December 2000 (Restated)

271

3,355

30,342
4,564
–

38,532

10,984
33,108
3,768
1,470
106
–

2

80

2,303
710
–

3,095

571
2,478
292
107
–
–

9

61

–

–

–

–

–

697

15

–

1,816
1,761
–

6,850
6,336
–

4,735
3,274
–

–
–
10,728

–
2,341
–

297

4,193

46,046
18,986
10,728

3,647

13,186

8,009

11,425

2,356

80,250

573
1,626
79
–
–
–

97
1,598
156
107
–
–

3
451
–
513
–
–

250
9,176
–
52
7,477
5,208

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

12,478
48,437
4,295
2,249
7,583
5,208

80,250

–

80,250

49,436

3,448

2,278

1,958

967

22,163

(8,522)

1,443

10,119

(3,802)

762

–

40,914

4,891

12,397

(1,844)

1,729

22,163

(2,382)

(1,796)

(8,750)

15,030

6,280

(10,738)

2,356

(2,382)

(4,178)

(12,928)

2,102

8,382

(2,356)

–

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

Euro m

1,422

259

(5,332)

6,962

1,489

(5,572)

1,191

1,422

1,681

(3,651)

3,311

4,800

(772)

419

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

US $m

(626)

(2,747)

(2,418)

5,806

2,674

(3,255)

578

(626)

(3,373)

(5,791)

15

2,689

(566)

12

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

Stg m

(2,702)

9

(255)

1,822

1,801

(2,250)

463

(2,702)

(2,693)

(2,948)

(1,126)

675

(1,575)

(1,112)

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

PLN m

(1,156)

(123)

27

339

22

(14)

78

(1,156)

(1,279)

(1,252)

(913)

(891)

(905)

(827)

Assets
Central govt. bills and
other eligible bills
Loans and advances 

to banks

Loans and advances 

to customers 

Debt securities
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Subordinated liabilities
Other liabilities
Shareholders’ funds

Total liabilities
Off-balance sheet items
affecting interest rate

sensitivity

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

Interest sensitivity gap
Cumulative interest
sensitivity gap

This table has been restated to reflect the impact of FRS 17 and to ensure consistent presentation with the 2001 
table on page 32.

33

Financial review

Equity risk

1 month holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December 

1 day holding period: 

Average

High

Low

31 December 

Equity risk
As part of its normal activities,
the Group’s subsidiary, Goodbody
Stockbrokers, holds positions in
equities to provide liquidity for
clients. Equity risk also arises from
the management of the Group’s
convertible bond portfolio and
the hedging of stock market
linked investment products
(tracker bonds) sold to customers.
Equity risk is subject to Board
approved policy and trading
activity is restricted to companies
that are listed on recognised Stock
Exchanges.The table above
illustrates the VAR figures for
equity risk for the years ended 31
December 2001 and 2000.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The Group uses off-balance sheet
financial instruments, including
derivatives, to service customer
requirements, to manage the
Group’s market risk exposures
and for trading purposes.

Credit commitments
Contingent liabilities and

Trading

2000
£ m

Non-Trading

2001
£ m

2000
£ m

10.7

13.2

8.4

13.2

2.4

2.9

1.9

2.9

0.5

0.8

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.4

0.6

0.3

0.5

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

2001
£ m

13.0

20.0

10.3

12.1

2.9

4.5

2.3

2.7

commitments to extend credit 
are outlined on page 91.The
Group’s maximum exposure 
to credit loss in the event of 
non-performance by the other
party, where all counterclaims,
collateral or security prove valueless,
is represented by the contractual
amounts of these contracts.

Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments are
contractual agreements between
parties whose value reflects 
movements in an underlying 
interest rate, foreign exchange
rate, equity price or index.
The table on page 35 shows 
the notional amount and gross
replacement cost for trading 
and non-trading interest rate,
exchange rate and equity
contracts at 31 December 2001
and 2000.While notional
principal amounts are used to
express the volume of these
transactions, the amounts subject
to credit risk are much lower.
This is because most derivatives
involve payments based on the 
net differences between the rates

expressed in the contracts 
and other market rates.

The Group is exposed to
interest rate risk when assets 
and liabilities mature or reprice 
at different times or in differing
amounts. Interest rate derivatives
are used to manage interest rate
risk in a cost-efficient manner.
Similarly, foreign exchange and
equity derivatives are used to
manage the Group’s exposure 
to foreign exchange and equity
risk, as required.

The values of derivative
instruments can rise and fall 
as market rates change.Where
they are used to hedge on-
balance sheet assets or liabilities,
the changes in value are generally
offset by the value changes in 
the hedged items.

Derivative transactions entered

into for hedging purposes are
accounted for in accordance with
the accounting treatment for the
item or items being hedged.
Futures contracts are designated
as hedges when they reduce risk
and there is a high correlation
between the futures contract 
and the item being hedged, both
at inception and throughout the
hedge period. Swaps, forward rate
agreements and option contracts
are generally used to manage the
risk of balance sheet items and
are linked to specific assets or
groups of similar assets or specific
liabilities or groups of similar
liabilities.Where a transaction
originally entered into for
hedging purposes no longer
represents a hedge, its value is
restated at fair value and any
subsequent change in value is

34

taken to the profit and loss
account immediately.

The following is a brief
description of the derivative
instruments that account for 
the major part of the Group’s
derivative activities:

Interest rate swaps are

agreements between two parties
to exchange fixed and floating
rate interest by means of periodic
payments based upon notional
principal amounts and interest
rates defined in the contract.
Currency swaps are interest rate 
swaps where one or both of the 
legs of the swap is payable in a 
different currency.They are used
by both customers and treasury 
to convert fixed rate assets or
liabilities to floating rate or vice
versa or to change the maturity
or currency profile of underlying
assets and liabilities, as required.
The Group uses interest rate
swaps to manage the impact on
income and shareholder value,
of interest rate changes on
variable and fixed rate assets.
In addition, swaps are used to
hedge the Group’s funding costs.
Forward rate agreements are
individually negotiated contracts
under which an interest rate 
is agreed for a notional principal
amount covering a specified
period in the future. At the
settlement date, if interest rates for
the future period are higher than
the agreed rate, the seller pays the
buyer the difference between the
contract rate and the rate
prevailing. If interest rates are
lower, the buyer pays the seller.
These contracts are used by
customers to fix the rates for

Notional
amount

£ m

46,015

70,136

2001

Gross
replacement
cost
£ m

2000

Gross
replacement
cost
£ m

Notional
amount

£ m

586

846

37,271

93,674

116,151

1,432

130,945

18,766

7,739

26,505

23

2,870

2,893

217

63

280

1

194

195

21,080

5,797

26,877

40

2,898

2,938

199

676

875

770

131

901

–

297

297

Interest rate contracts

Trading

Non-trading

Exchange rate contracts

Trading

Non-trading

Equity contracts

Trading

Non-trading

future short-term borrowing 
or deposits.

Financial futures are exchange 

traded contracts to buy or sell 
a standardised amount of the
underlying item at an agreed
price on a set date. Interest rate
futures contracts are available 
in all of the major currencies.
Foreign currency and equity
index futures are also available.
Financial futures are used to
hedge the Group’s exposures
arising from the sale of forward
rate agreements or guaranteed
equity products.They are also
used to manage the interest rate
risks arising in the Group’s debt
securities portfolio.

Options are contracts that give

the purchaser the right, but not 
the obligation, to buy or sell 
an underlying asset eg bond,
foreign currency, or equity index,
at a certain price on or before 
an agreed date.These provide more
flexible means of managing
exposure to changes in interest 

rates, exchange rates and equity
index levels. Foreign exchange rate
options are used to hedge income
and expenses arising from non-euro
denominated assets and liabilities
and to manage the impact of
exchange rates on the reported
euro value of non-euro earnings.
Foreign exchange rate options are
also used to hedge exposures
arising from customer transactions.
Interest rate caps/floors are

series of options that give 
the buyer the ability to fix the
maximum or minimum rate 
of interest. A combination of an
interest rate cap and floor is
known as an interest rate collar.
Forward foreign exchange
contracts are agreements to buy or
sell a specified quantity of foreign
currency, usually on a specified
date, at an agreed exchange rate.
These contracts are used by
customers to fix the exchange
rates for future foreign exchange
transactions.They are also used 
by the Group to hedge non-euro

35

Financial review

undertaking off-balance sheet
commitments as it does for on
balance sheet lending, including
counterparty credit approval, limit
setting and monitoring procedures.

income and expenses and to
manage the impact of exchange
rates on the reported euro 
value of non-euro earnings.

Measurement and control 
of off-balance sheet financial
instruments.
The market risk exposure arising
from derivative transactions is
controlled within the risk limits
in the Group’s interest rate,
foreign exchange and equity risk
policies. In addition, derivatives
activities are further constrained
by the risk parameters
incorporated in the Group’s
Derivatives Policy, as approved 
by the Board.

In Capital Markets division,
the Group’s exposure to credit 
risk on derivative instruments 
is measured using a simulation
methodology that models the
extent to which prices may
change over time. Elsewhere in
the Group, the credit exposure is
measured using the current
market value of each transaction,
together with an add-on-factor,
calculated to take account of the
likely future volatility of market
rates.Where relevant, these
measures also recognise the
benefits of netting and margining
agreements.

Risk weighted credit

equivalent amounts are calculated
according to rules specified by 
the Central Bank of Ireland,
taking into account the nature 
of the instrument and the risk
classification of the counterparty.

The Group uses the 
same credit control and risk
management policies in

36

Report of the Directors

for the year ended 31 December 2001

The Directors of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. present their report and the audited accounts for
the year ended 31 December 2001. A Statement of the Directors’ responsibilities in relation
to the Accounts appears on page 121.

Results
The Group profit attributable 
to the ordinary shareholders
amounted to £ 484 million 
and was arrived at as shown in 
the Consolidated Profit and Loss
Account on pages 48 and 49.
The results include an exceptional
item of £ 513 million after
taxation, in respect of the loss
incurred as a result of fraudulent
foreign exchange activities at the
Group’s subsidiary, Allfirst Bank
(see Note 8(b) to the Accounts and
the Statement by the Chairman on
pages 4 and 5).

Dividend
An interim dividend of EUR
15.40c per ordinary share,
amounting to £ 136 million,
was paid on 28 September 2001.
A second interim dividend, of
EUR 28.40c per ordinary share,
amounting to £ 250 million 
(see note 19), will be paid on 26
April 2002, making a total
distribution of EUR 43.80c per
ordinary share for the year; no final
dividend is being recommended.
The balance of profit to be
transferred to the Profit and Loss
Account amounts to £ 41 million.

Capital
Information concerning
allotments of shares under the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan,
the Approved Employees’ Profit
Sharing Schemes, the Allfirst
Stock Option Plan and the Share
Option Scheme is shown in Note

44 on pages 87 and 88. At the
2001 Annual General Meeting,
shareholders renewed authority
for the Company, or any
subsidiary, to make market
purchases of up to 50 million
ordinary shares of the Company,
subject to the terms and
conditions set out in the 
relevant resolution.

Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies
adopted by the Group, together
with information on changes
therein, are set out on pages 
44 to 47.

Review of activities
The Statement by the Chairman 
on pages 4 and 5 and the Review
by the Group Chief Executive 
on pages 10 to 36 contain a 
review of the development of 
the business of the Group during
the year, of recent events, and 
of likely future developments.

Directors
The following Board changes
occurred with effect from the 
dates shown:
– Mr Kevin J Kelly retired as 
an Executive Director on 
4 June 2001;

– Mr Thomas P Mulcahy retired
as an Executive Director on 
21 June 2001;

– Mr Michael J Sullivan was

appointed a Non-Executive
Director on 26 July 2001;

– Mr Jim O’Leary was appointed
a Non-Executive Director on
20 December 2001.
In accordance with the

Articles of Association,
Mr Sullivan and Mr O’Leary
retire at the 2002 Annual General
Meeting and, being eligible, offer
themselves for re-appointment.

Mr Michael Buckley,
Mr John B McGuckian and 
Ms Carol Moffett retire by
rotation at the 2002 Annual
General Meeting and, being
eligible, offer themselves for re-
appointment.

The names of the Directors
appear on pages 8 and 9, together
with a short biographical note 
on each Director.

Directors’ and Secretary’s
Interests in the Share
Capital
The interests of the Directors 
and Secretary in the share capital 
of the Company are shown in 
Note 53 on page 106.

Substantial Interests in
Share Capital
The following substantial interest
in the Ordinary Share Capital had
been notified to the Company 
at 12 March 2002:
The Capital Group 
7.1%
Companies, Inc.
At the same date, subsidiaries 

of the Company had aggregate
interests in 4.0% of the Ordinary
Share Capital.With the exception 
of 5.6 million shares (0.6%) held 

37

Report of the Directors

for the year ended 31 December 2001

places and systems of work.
The Company is committed 
to facilitating this policy by an
open, consultative process with 
its employees. Monitoring
procedures ensure the
maintenance of standards and
compliance with legislative
requirements.

During 2001, particular
emphasis was focused on the
maintenance of standards in the 
area of Accident Prevention and
Reporting, general compliance,
and health and safety issues
associated with the logistics of 
the euro changeover programme.

Branches Outside the State
The Company has established
branches, within the meaning 
of EU Council Directive
89/666/EEC, in the United
Kingdom and the United States
of America.

Auditors
The auditors,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, have
signified their willingness to
continue in office under Section
160 of the Companies Act, 1963.

Lochlann Quinn
Chairman

Michael Buckley
Group Chief Executive

12 March 2002

by a subsidiary (see Note 48), these
shares represented non-beneficial
interests. None of the clients for
whom these shares and the shares 
of The Capital Group Companies,
Inc., are held had a beneficial
interest in 3% or more of the
Ordinary Share Capital.

An analysis of shareholdings 

is shown on page 133.

Corporate Governance
The Directors’ Corporate
Governance Statement appears 
on pages 39 to 42.

Books of Account
To secure compliance with the
Company’s obligation to keep
proper books of account, the
measures taken by the Directors 
are the use of appropriate systems
and procedures, including those 
set out in the Internal Control
section of the Corporate
Governance Statement on 
pages 39 to 42, and the
employment of competent
persons.The books of account are
kept at the Company’s Registered
Office, Bankcentre, Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4, Ireland; at the principal
offices of the Company’s main
subsidiary companies, as shown
on pages 76 to 77 and 127 to 128
and at the Company’s other
principal offices, as shown on
those pages.

Safety, Health and
Welfare of Employees
It is the Company’s policy to
ensure the safety, health and
welfare of its employees while 
at work, and of visitors to its
premises, by maintaining safe

38

Corporate Governance Statement

The Board is committed to the
highest standards of corporate
governance.This Statement
explains how the Company has
applied the Principles set out 
in ‘The Combined Code: Principles
of Good Governance and Code 
of Best Practice’ (the ‘Code’),
adopted by the Irish Stock
Exchange and the London 
Stock Exchange, and reports on
compliance with its Provisions.

Directors

The Board
The importance of the Company
being headed by an effective
Board to lead and control the
Company and the Group is fully
recognised.To that end, there 
is a comprehensive range of
matters specifically reserved for
decision by the Board; at a high
level this includes:
– determining the Company’s

strategic objectives and policies;

– appointing the Chairman 

and Group Chief Executive;
– monitoring progress towards

achievement of the
Company’s objectives and
compliance with its policies;
– approving annual operating
and capital budgets, major
acquisitions and disposals,
and risk management policies.

A scheduled Board meeting is
held each month, except August.
Additional meetings are held as
required.The Directors are
provided in advance of each Board
meeting with relevant documen-
tation and information to enable
them to discharge their duties. Any
additional information requested

by Directors is readily provided.
The Directors have access 
to the advice and services of 
the Company Secretary, who 
is responsible for ensuring that
Board procedures are followed
and that applicable rules and
regulations are complied with.
There is a procedure in place 
to enable Directors to take
independent professional advice,
at the Company’s expense.
At 31 December 2001,

the Board comprised 10 
Non-Executive Directors and 
3 Executive Directors. All
Directors bring independent
judgement to bear on issues of
strategy, performance, resources,
and standards of conduct. All 
Non-Executive Directors are
considered to be independent 
of Management and free from
any business or other relationship
that could materially interfere
with the exercise of their
independent judgement. In these
circumstances, it is not considered
necessary to identify one senior
Non-Executive Director to
whom concerns can be conveyed,
as suggested by the Code.
Shareholders who wish to raise
issues are free to contact any 
of the Non-Executive Directors.
The role of the Chairman 
is separate from the role of the
Group Chief Executive, with
clearly defined responsibilities
attaching to each.

It is the policy of the Board

that a significant majority of 
the Directors (ie up to two-
thirds) should be Non-Executive.
Accordingly, Non-Executive
Directors are appointed so as to

maintain an appropriate balance
and to ensure a sufficiently wide
and relevant mix of backgrounds,
skills and experience to provide
strong and effective leadership
and control for the Group.

The names of the Directors,

and their biographical notes,
appear on pages 8 and 9.

Non-Executive Directors

appointed since 1990 are
appointed for an initial period 
of six years, which may be
extended for a further period 
of three years. Following 
co-option, Directors must retire
at the next Annual General
Meeting and may go before 
the shareholders for re-election.
Not more than one-third 
of the Directors are required 
by the Articles of Association to
retire from office at each Annual
General Meeting.This means 
that, in effect, Directors are 
re-elected every three years.
The Code recommends that 
all Directors should submit
themselves for re-election at
regular intervals and at least every
three years. As the Articles’
provision in this regard could
lead, in certain circumstances,
to an interval of four years
between a Director’s 
appointment and re-appointment,
an amendment to the Articles will 
be proposed at the 2002 Annual
General Meeting, to bring the
relevant provision fully into line
with the Code’s recommendation.
There is an induction process

for new Directors. Its content
varies as between Executive 
and Non-Executive Directors;
in respect of the latter, the

39

Corporate Governance Statement 

induction is designed to
familiarise Non-Executive
Directors with the Group 
and its operations, and comprises
principally a programme 
of meetings with the Heads 
of Divisions and the senior
management of businesses and
support functions, and briefings
on the Company’s strategic and
operational plans. All Directors 
on appointment are furnished
with a booklet entitled
‘Responsibilities, Functions and
Operations of the Board and 
Code of Conduct for Directors’.

Board Committees
The Board is assisted in the
discharge of its duties by Board
Committees, whose purpose is to
consider, in greater depth than is
practicable at Board Meetings,
matters for which the full Board
retains responsibility.The
composition of Board Committees
is reviewed annually by the Board.
A description of these Committees,
each of which operates under
terms of reference or guidelines
approved by the Board, and their
membership, is given below.The
minutes of all meetings of Board
Committees are circulated to all
Directors, for information, with
their Board papers, and are formally
noted by the Board.This provides
an opportunity for Directors to
seek additional information or to
comment and express views on
issues being addressed at
Committee level.

Audit Committee
Members: Mr Adrian Burke, Chairman
(from 1 June 2001), Mr Don Godson,

Chairman (to 31 May 2001), Mr
Derek A Higgs (from 1 June 2001), Mr
Michael J Sullivan (from 1 November
2001), Mr Dermot Gleeson.

The Audit Committee holds
five/six scheduled meetings each
year.The auditors are invited to
attend these meetings, along with
the Group Chief Executive, the
Group Director, Finance, Risk 
and Enterprise Networks and
eBusiness, the Chief Risk Officer
and the Group Internal Auditor.
The Audit Committee reviews 
the Group’s annual and interim
accounts; the scope of the audit 
and the findings, conclusions and
recommendations of the auditors;
the nature and extent of non-audit
services provided by the auditors;
and the effectiveness of internal
controls.The Committee is
responsible for ensuring the cost-
effectiveness of the audit and for
confirming the independence of
the auditors and the Group Internal
Auditor, each of whom it meets
separately at least once each year, in
confidential session, in the absence
of Management. Both the auditors
and the Group Internal Auditor
have unrestricted access to the
Chairman of the Audit Committee.
A written report is submitted
annually to the Board showing the
issues considered by the Committee.

Nomination and
Remuneration Committee
Members: Mr Lochlann Quinn,
Chairman, Mr Adrian Burke 
(to 31 May 2001), Mr Derek A
Higgs (from 1 June 2001), Mr John
B McGuckian.

The Nomination and

Remuneration Committee meets

five/six times each year.The
Committee is responsible for
recommending candidates to 
the Board for appointment as
Directors. Its remit also includes,
inter alia, recommending to the
Board appropriate remuneration
policies, and determining, under
advice to the Board, the specific
remuneration packages of the
Executive Directors.

Social Affairs Committee
Members: Ms Carol Moffett,
Chairman, Mr Michael Buckley 
(to 31 May 2001), Mr Padraic 
M Fallon, Mr Don Godson (from 
1 June 2001).

The Social Affairs Committee
met on seven occasions in 2001.
Its role, as defined in guidelines
approved by the Board, is to assist
the Company in discharging its
social responsibilities.This includes
developing corporate-giving and
sponsorship policies and reviewing
responses to a range of social
responsibility issues.

Directors’ Remuneration
The Report on Directors’
Remuneration and Interests
appears on pages 102 to 107.

Relations with
Shareholders
The Company recognises the
importance of communicating
with its shareholders.To that end,
the Company circulates each year,
along with the statutory Report
and Accounts, a short-form,
user-friendly booklet explaining
features of the Company’s
performance in the previous year.
This focuses on how the profit

40

was utilised; profit and dividend
growth over the previous five
years; the need for strong capital
resources; running costs; risk
management; and other issues.
As a further step in enhancing the
communication process, interim
trading statements are issued to 
the Stock Exchanges twice yearly.
The Company also uses its

internet website
(www.aibgroup.com) to
communicate with investors.
The Investor Relations home page
is updated with the Company’s
Stock Exchange releases and
formal presentations to analysts and
investors, as they are made.The site
also contains the Company’s most
recent Annual and Interim
Reports, together with the Annual
Report on Form 20-F when filed
with the US Securities and
Exchange Commission. In August
2001, shareholders were invited to
consent to the use of electronic
communication, as facilitated by
the Electronic Commerce Act
2000, and further invitations to do
so will be sent to shareholders
during 2002.

All shareholders are encouraged

to attend the Annual General
Meeting (‘AGM’) and to
participate in the proceedings.
It is practice to give shareholders
an update on the Group’s
performance, and developments of
interest, by way of video
presentation. Separate resolutions
are proposed on each substantially
separate issue.The Chairman of
the Audit Committee is available
to answer questions at the AGM.
The proportion of proxy votes
lodged for and against each

resolution is indicated; this
demonstrates what the voting
position would be if all the votes
cast, including votes cast by
shareholders not in attendance at
the AGM, were taken into account.
It is usual for all Directors 
to attend the AGM and to be
available to meet shareholders, both
before and after the Meeting. A
Shareholders’ Help Desk facility is
available to shareholders attending.
In accordance with company
law, the Notice of the AGM and
related papers are required to be
sent to shareholders not less than 21
days before the Meeting.The Code
suggests that these papers should be
sent to shareholders ‘at least 20
working days before the meeting’.
In respect of the 2002 AGM, the
Notice and related papers will be
dispatched 26 calendar days and 17
working days before the Meeting.
The Company holds regular

meetings with its principal
institutional shareholders and with
financial analysts and brokers.These
meetings involve the Group Chief
Executive, the Group Director,
Finance, Risk and Enterprise
Networks and eBusiness, the Chief
Financial Officer and the Head of
Investor Relations, and are
governed by prescribed procedures
to ensure that price-sensitive
information is not divulged.

Accountability and Audit
Accounts and Directors’
Responsibilities
The Accounts and other
information presented in this
Report and Accounts are
consistent with the Code
Principle requiring the

presentation of ‘a balanced and
understandable assessment of the
Company’s position and
prospects’.The Statement
concerning the responsibilities of
the Directors in relation to the
Accounts appears on page 121.

Going Concern
The Accounts continue to be
prepared on a going concern
basis, as the Directors are satisfied
that the Company and the Group
as a whole have the resources to
continue in business for the
foreseeable future. In forming this
view, the Directors have reviewed
the Group’s budget for 2002.

Internal Control
The Directors acknowledge that
the Board is responsible for the
Group’s system of internal control
and for reviewing its effectiveness.
Guidance (‘Internal Control:
Guidance for Directors on the
Combined Code’) has been issued
by the Irish Stock Exchange and
the London Stock Exchange to
assist Directors in complying with
the Code’s requirements in
respect of internal control.That
Guidance states that systems of
internal control are designed to
manage rather than eliminate the
risk of failure to achieve business
objectives, and can provide only
reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material
misstatement or loss.

The Guidance provides that,
in applying the Code, the Board
should disclose the process it has
applied to deal with material
internal control aspects of any
significant problems disclosed in

41

Corporate Governance Statement 

the annual report and accounts.
On 6 February 2002, the
Company announced that,
following the uncovering of
suspected fraudulent activities, it
was undertaking a full
investigation into foreign
exchange trading operations at the
Baltimore Headquarters of its US
subsidiary, Allfirst (see Note 8(b) to
the Accounts). On 7 February 2002,
the Company announced that the
Board had approved comprehen-
sive terms of reference for that
investigation, which was charged
with ascertaining the facts
concerning the foreign exchange
activities in question; describing
the policies and controls which
applied to those operations during
the period in which these
activities took place; reporting on
the manner in which such policies
and controls operated (or may
have failed to operate) in relation
to these activities; and making
recommendations on any
improvements which appear
necessary or desirable to the
policies and controls.The Board
appointed Mr Eugene A Ludwig,
Managing Partner, Promontory
Financial Group, and a former
Comptroller of the US Currency,
to report on these matters to the
Board.The Board also appointed
Mr Edward D Herlihy and his
firm,Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and
Katz, to report to the Board and
provide legal advice on the basis
of the investigation.Their
findings, and the Board’s decisions
in the light of these findings, are
set out on pages 6 and 7.

The Group’s system of

internal control includes:

– a clearly defined management 
structure, with defined lines of
authority and accountability;

– a comprehensive annual
budgeting and financial
reporting system, which
incorporates clearly defined
and communicated common
accounting policies and
financial control procedures,
including those relating to
authorisation limits; capital
expenditure and investment
procedures; physical and
computer security; and
business continuity planning;
– the Audit Committee, which
receives reports on various
aspects of control, reviews 
the Group’s statutory
Accounts and other published
financial statements and
information, and ensures that
no restrictions are placed on
the scope of the statutory
audit or on the independence
of the internal audit function.
The Audit Committee reports
to the Board on these matters,
compliance with relevant 
laws  and regulations, and
related matters;

– appropriate policies and
procedures relating to 
capital management, asset 
and liability management
(including interest rate 
risk, exchange rate risk and
liquidity management),
credit risk management, and
operational risk management;

– regular review by the Board
of overall strategy, business
plans, variances against
operating and capital budgets
and other performance data;

– an internal audit function.
The above-mentioned

Guidance provides that the Board
should summarise the process 
it (where applicable, through 
its committees) has applied in
reviewing the effectiveness of 
the system of internal control.
The Group’s structure and on-
going processes for identifying,
evaluating and managing the
significant credit, market and
operational risks faced by the
Group are described in pages 
24 to 36.That structure and 
those processes, which include
comprehensive half-yearly reports
to the Audit Committee and
Board, have been in place for the
year under review and up to the
date of the approval of the Annual
Report and Accounts.Those
processes are regularly reviewed
by the Board, and accord with
the above-mentioned Guidance.
The Code provides that the
Directors should, at least annually,
conduct a review of the
effectiveness of the Group’s
system of internal control and
should report to the shareholders
that they have done so.The
Directors confirm that, with 
the assistance of reports from 
the Audit Committee and
Management, they have reviewed
the effectiveness of the Group’s
system of internal control for the
year ended 31 December 2001.

Compliance Statement
Except as indicated above,
the Company has complied
throughout the year ended 
31 December 2001 with the
Provisions of the Code.

42

Financial contents

44

48

50

51

52

53

53

53

54

Accounting policies

Consolidated profit and loss account

Consolidated balance sheet

Balance sheet Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

Consolidated cash flow statement

Statement of total recognised gains and losses

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Note of historical cost profits and losses

Notes to the accounts

121

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the Accounts

122

Auditors’ report

124

Accounts in sterling, US dollars and Polish zloty

125

Five year financial summary

43

Accounting policies

The accounts on pages 48 to 120 have
been prepared under the historical cost
convention, as modified by the
revaluation of certain properties and
investments, and comply with the
requirements of Irish statute comprising
the Companies Acts 1963 to 2001 and
the European Communities (Credit
Institutions: Accounts) Regulations,
1992, and with accounting standards
generally accepted in Ireland. The
preparation of accounts requires
management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of certain assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses, and disclosures 
of contingent assets and liabilities.
Since management’s judgement 
involves making estimates concerning
the likelihood of future events, the actual
results could differ from those estimates.
The effect on the Group’s consolidated

net income and ordinary shareholders’
equity had US Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (‘US GAAP’) 
been applied in the preparation of 
these accounts is set out in note 62.

Change in accounting policy
and presentation of financial
information
(a) Retirement benefits
The Group has adopted Financial
Reporting Standard 17-‘Retirement
benefits’ (‘FRS 17’) in the preparation 
of its accounts for the year ended 
31 December 2001. FRS 17 applies 
to all types of benefits that an employer
provides after employees have completed
their service, including pensions and
other retirement benefits. Changes 
to the Group accounting policy for
retirement benefits apply to defined
benefit schemes only.There is no 
change to the accounting for defined
contribution schemes arising from 
the implementation of FRS 17.

FRS 17 requires that scheme assets

are valued at fair value and scheme
liabilities are measured using the projected
unit method. Net scheme assets and
liabilities, reduced by deferred tax amounts,

4444

are required to be shown on the face of
the balance sheet as a pension surplus or
deficit as appropriate. Previously, a surplus
or deficit within a scheme was not
recognised on the Group’s balance sheet.
Under FRS 17, the profit and loss
account charge consists of two elements:-
the current service cost, recorded in
administrative expenses; and the net of
the expected return on pension assets 
and the interest cost of the pension
liabilities, recorded in other finance
income. Previously, the charge to the
profit and loss account in respect of
defined benefit pension schemes and
other retirement benefits was determined
by funding rates recommended by
independent qualified actuaries.

Actuarial gains or losses are recognised
through the statement of total recognised
gains and losses. Previously these gains
and losses were spread in the profit 
and loss account, as a component of
pension expense, over the employees’
remaining service lives.

The change in accounting policy
arising from the adoption of FRS 17 
has resulted in a prior year adjustment
and comparative figures have been
restated accordingly. This change has
resulted in a net credit to shareholders’
funds of m 648 million as at 1 January
2001. The 31 December 1999 impact 
on shareholders’ funds was a credit of 
m 809 million. Profit before tax for the
years ended 31 December 2000 and
1999 has been increased by m 23 million
and m 31 million respectively. The effect
on 2001 profit before tax was to increase
profits by m 39 million.
(b) Divisional restructure
During 2001, a new divisional structure
was put in place with the creation of 
a new AIB Bank GB & NI division
incorporating the businesses of 
Allied Irish Bank (GB) and First Trust
Bank. In addition, a new Enterprise
Networks and eBusiness division, with
responsibility for the development and
implementation of AIB Group’s IT and
eBusiness strategy, was formed. The
segmental information has been restated

to reflect these changes in the
organisational structure.

The principal accounting policies
adopted by the Group are as follows:

Basis of consolidation
The Group accounts include the 
accounts of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
(the parent company) and its subsidiary
undertakings made up to the end of 
the financial year. Details of principal
subsidiaries are given in note 31.

In order to reflect the different 

nature of the shareholders’ and
policyholders’ interests in the long-term
assurance business, the value of long-term
assurance business attributable to
shareholders and the long-term assurance
assets and liabilities attributable to
policyholders are classified under separate
headings in the consolidated balance sheet.

Interests in associated
undertakings 
The attributable share of income of
associated undertakings, based on
accounts made up to the end of the
financial year, is included in the
consolidated profit and loss account 
using the equity method of accounting.
Interests in associated undertakings are
included in the consolidated balance 
sheet at the Group’s share of the 
book value of the net assets of the 
undertakings concerned, less provisions
for any impairment in value.

Income and expense
recognition
Interest income and expense is recognised
on an accruals basis. Fees which, in effect,
increase the yield on transactions are
spread over the lives of the underlying
transactions on a level yield basis. Fees
and commissions received for services
provided are recognised when earned.
Expenses are, in general, charged to profit
and loss account as accrued. However,
in some cases, expenses incurred in the
setting up of transactions are deferred 
and are charged to profit and loss 
account over the lives of the transactions.

Provisions for bad and
doubtful debts
Specific provisions are made as a result 
of a detailed appraisal of risk assets.
In addition general provisions are 
carried to cover risks which, although 
not specifically identified, are present 
in any portfolio of bank advances.The 
total provisions for bad and doubtful
debts (note 26) is deducted in arriving 
at the balance sheet figures of loans and
advances to banks and to customers,
as appropriate. Provisions made during
the year, less existing provisions no 
longer required and recoveries of bad
debts previously written off, are charged
against profits. Interest is not taken 
to profit where recovery is doubtful.

Debt securities
Premiums and discounts on Government
and other debt securities having a fixed
redemption date, which are not held 
for trading purposes, are amortised 
over the period from date of purchase to
redemption and an appropriate proportion
is taken to profit and loss account each
year and included in interest income.
Securities held for investment purposes
are stated in the balance sheet at
amortised cost, less provision for any
impairment in value. Securities held 
for hedging purposes are included 
in the balance sheet at a valuation,
the basis of which is consistent with 
that being applied to the underlying
transactions. Securities held for both
investment and hedging purposes are
classified as financial fixed assets in the
balance sheet. Securities held for trading
purposes are included in the balance 
sheet at market value.

Profits and losses on disposal of
securities held for trading and investment
purposes are recognised immediately in
the profit and loss account.The realised
and unrealised profits and losses on 
trading securities are included with
dealing profits, while the profits and 
losses on disposal of securities held for
investment purposes are included with
other operating income. Profits and losses 

on disposal of securities held for hedging
purposes are amortised over the lives of
the underlying transactions, and included
in net interest income.

Finance leases
Income from leasing transactions is
apportioned over the primary leasing
period in proportion to the monthly
balance of finance outstanding using 
the investment period method.
Government grants in respect of 
these assets are credited to profit and 
loss account on the same basis.

Hire purchase and 
instalment finance
Interest and charges on hire purchase 
and on instalment credit agreements 
are taken to profit and loss account 
by the sum of the digits method over the 
period of the agreements after deducting
the costs of setting up the transactions.

Securitised assets
Securitised assets are included in the
balance sheet at their gross amount less
non-returnable proceeds received on
securitisation, where the Group has
retained significant rights to benefits 
and exposure to risks, but where the
Group’s maximum loss is limited to 
a fixed monetary amount.The
contribution from the securitised assets 
is included in other operating income.

Operating leases
Rentals are charged to profit and loss
account in equal instalments over the
terms of the leases.

Depreciation
Up to 31 December 1999, freehold 
and long leasehold properties were not
depreciated. Since 1 January 2000, with
the introduction of Financial Reporting
Standard 15 ‘Tangible Fixed Assets’,
freehold and long leasehold properties 
are written off over their estimated useful
lives of 50 years.The impact of this
change was to increase the depreciation
charge in 2000 by x 9 million.

Leasehold properties with less than 

50 years unexpired are written off by
equal annual instalments over the
remaining terms of the leases.

Depreciation on equipment is
provided on a straight line basis at rates
which will write off these assets over
their expected useful lives, which 
for furnishings are 10 years and for
computers, motor vehicles and other
equipment are 3 to 10 years.

Expenditure incurred to date
amounting to o 68 million on the
development of computer systems has
been capitalised and included under
equipment.This expenditure is written
off over a maximum period of 5 years
and to date x 20 million has been
charged to the profit and loss account.

Discounting of future
commitments
The Group provided in the year 
ended 31 December 1993, on a present
value basis, for the cost of its future
commitments arising under the agreements
reached in relation to the funding of
Icarom plc (under Administration), formerly
The Insurance Corporation of Ireland plc.
The future commitments under the
agreements were each discounted to their
present value by applying an interest rate
derived from the weighted average of the
yield to maturity of Irish Government
securities maturing on the same dates 
as the future commitments.The Group’s
policy is not to revise these discount rates
for future changes in interest rates.
The commitments are deducted from the
present value provisions as they mature
and interest at the relevant discount rates
is charged annually to interest expense
and added to the present value provisions.
The present value provisions are included
in other liabilities (note 39).

Equity shares
Equity shares held as financial fixed 
assets are included in the balance sheet 
at cost, less provision for any impairment
in value. Profits and losses on disposal of
equity shares held as financial fixed assets

4545

Accounting policies (continued)

are recognised immediately in the profit
and loss account. Equity shares held for
trading purposes are marked to market
with full recognition in the profit and loss
account of changes in market value.

Retirement benefits
AIB Group provides a number of 
defined benefit and defined contribution
retirement benefit schemes in various
geographic locations.

In relation to the defined benefit

schemes, a full actuarial valuation is
undertaken every three years and is
updated to reflect current conditions 
in the intervening periods. Scheme 
assets are valued at market value. Scheme
liabilities are measured on an actuarial
basis, using the projected unit method
and discounted at the current rate of
return on a high quality corporate bond
of equivalent term and currency to the
liability.The net pension surplus or deficit
is shown net of the deferred tax impact
on the balance sheet. Actuarial gains and
losses are recognised immediately in 
the statement of total recognised gains
and losses.

The current service cost of the
defined benefit schemes is charged to
operating profit and the expected return
on assets net of the change in the present
value of the scheme liabilities arising from
the passage of time, is credited to other
finance income.

The costs of the Group’s defined
contribution schemes are charged to 
the profit and loss account in the 
period in which they are incurred.

Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is accounted for in
respect of timing differences between 
the profits as stated in the accounts and 
as computed for taxation purposes using
the liability method where, in the opinion
of the directors, there is a reasonable
probability that a tax liability or asset 
will arise in the foreseeable future.
The calculation of the deferred taxation
asset or liability is based on the taxation
rates expected to be applicable when 

the liabilities or assets are anticipated 
to crystallise.

Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies and commitments 
for the purchase and sale of foreign
currencies are translated at appropriate
spot or forward rates of exchange ruling
on the balance sheet date. Profits and
losses arising from these translations and
from trading activities are included as
appropriate, having regard to the nature
of the transactions, in other operating
income or dealing profits.

In the case of net investments 

in foreign subsidiaries, associated
undertakings and branches,
exchange adjustments arising from 
the retranslation of these investments,
net of hedging profits and losses, are
included as appropriate in the exchange
translation adjustments on reserves 
(note 46) and the profit and loss 
account (note 47).

Profits and losses arising in foreign
currencies have been translated at average
rates for the year.The adjustment arising
on the retranslation of profits and losses
to balance sheet rates is included in the
exchange translation adjustments on 
the profit and loss account (note 47).

Capital instruments
Issue expenses of capital instruments 
are deducted from the proceeds of 
issue and, where appropriate, are
amortised to profit and loss account so
that the finance costs are allocated to
accounting periods at a constant rate
based on the carrying amount of 
the instruments.The issue expenses 
amortised to profit and loss account 
are subsequently transferred to the 
share premium account.

Intangible assets and goodwill
Purchased goodwill is the excess of cost
over the fair value of the Group’s share 
of net assets acquired. In accordance 
with Financial Reporting Standard 10
‘Goodwill and Intangible Assets’,

purchased goodwill and intangible assets
arising on acquisition of subsidiary and
associated undertakings, occurring after 
1 January 1998, are capitalised as assets 
on the balance sheet and amortised 
to profit and loss account over their
estimated useful economic lives subject 
to a maximum period of 20 years.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions 
of subsidiary and associated undertakings
prior to 31 December 1997 has been
written off to the profit and loss account 
in the year of acquisition. Purchased
goodwill, previously written off, is
charged in the profit and loss account 
on subsequent disposal of the business 
to which it relates.

Derivatives 
The Group uses derivatives, such as
currency and interest rate swaps, options,
forward rate agreements and financial
futures, for both trading and hedging
purposes (note 50).The accounting
treatment for these derivative 
instruments is dependent on whether
they are entered into for trading 
or hedging purposes.

AIB Group maintains trading
positions in a variety of financial
instruments including derivatives. Most 
of these positions are a result of activity
generated by corporate customers while
others represent trading decisions of the
Group’s derivative and foreign exchange
traders with a view to generating
incremental income.Trading instruments
are recognised in the accounts at fair
value with the adjustment arising
included in other assets and other
liabilities, as appropriate, in the
consolidated balance sheet. Gains 
and losses arising from trading activities 
are included in dealing profits in the
profit and loss account using the mark 
to market method of accounting.

Derivative transactions entered into 
for hedging purposes are recognised in 
the accounts in accordance with the
accounting treatment of the underlying
transaction or transactions being hedged.
To qualify for hedge accounting the

4646

Fiduciary and trust activities 
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and some
subsidiary undertakings act as trustee and
in other fiduciary capacities that result in
the holding or placing of assets on behalf
of individuals, investment trusts, pension
schemes and unit trusts.These assets are
not consolidated in the accounts as they
are not assets of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
or its subsidiary undertakings. Fees and
commissions earned in respect of these
activities are included in the profit and
loss account.

Derivatives (continued)
derivative must be designated as a 
hedge at its inception and must remain
effective as a hedge throughout the
hedge period. Derivatives that are 
not designated as hedges are classified 
as held for trading purposes. Gains and
losses arising from hedging activities 
are amortised to net interest income 
over the lives of the underlying
transactions. Futures contracts are
designated as hedges when they reduce
risk and there is high correlation
between the futures contract and the
item being hedged, both at inception
and throughout the hedge period.
Interest rate swaps, forward rate
agreements and option contracts are
generally used to modify the interest 
rate characteristics of balance sheet
instruments and are linked to specific
assets or groups of similar assets or
specific liabilities or groups of similar
liabilities. Upon early termination of
these derivative financial instruments,
any realised gain or loss is deferred and
amortised over the life of the original
hedge, as long as the designated assets 
or liabilities remain. Where a transaction
originally entered into for hedging
purposes no longer represents a hedge,
its value is restated at fair value and any
change in value is taken to the profit and
loss account immediately.

Long-term assurance business
The value placed on the Group’s long-
term assurance business attributable to
shareholders represents a prudent
valuation of the investment in business 
on policies in force together with the 
net tangible assets of the business.The
value is determined on the advice of a
qualified actuary on an after tax basis
using a discount rate of 12% and is
included separately in the consolidated
balance sheet.

Movements in the value placed on 
the Group’s long-term assurance business
attributable to shareholders, grossed up 
for taxation, are included in other 
operating income.

4747

Consolidated profit and loss account 
for the year ended 31 December 2001

Interest receivable:

Interest receivable and similar income arising from 
debt securities and other fixed income securities

Other interest receivable and similar income

Less: interest payable

Deposit interest retention tax

Net interest income
Other finance income
Dividend income
Fees and commissions receivable
Less: fees and commissions payable
Dealing profits
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
Other operating income
Other income

Total operating income

Before exceptional items
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
Deposit interest retention tax

Administrative expenses:

Staff and other administrative expenses
Integration costs in continuing businesses

Depreciation and amortisation
Total operating expenses

Group operating profit before provisions

Before exceptional items
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
Deposit interest retention tax

Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Provisions for contingent liabilities and commitments
Amounts written off/(written back) fixed asset investments

Group operating profit – continuing activities

Before exceptional items
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
Deposit interest retention tax

Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposal of property
Profit on disposal of business

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation (carried forward)

Before exceptional items
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
Deposit interest retention tax

4848

Notes

2001

o m

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

3
4
5

6
7

8(a)
8(b)
9

8(b)
5

10(a)
10(b)

11

8(b)
5

26

12

8(b)
5

14

8(b)
5

1,198
4,148
(3,053)
–

1,140
3,987
(3,105)
(113)

2,293
67
11
1,258
(128)
92
(789)
193
637

2,997
3,786
(789)
–

2,051
38
2,089
195
2,284

713
1,502
(789)
–

179
19
6

509
1,298
(789)
–

4
6
93

612
1,401
(789)
–

1,909
71
6
1,101
(108)
103
–
202
1,304

3,284
3,397
–
(113)

1,826
–
1,826
171
1,997

1,287
1,400
–
(113)

133
2
(1)

1,153
1,266
–
(113)

3
5
–

1,161
1,274
–
(113)

833
3,009
(2,072)
–

1,770
71
2
909
(93)
74
–
160
1,052

2,893
2,893
–
–

1,531
–
1,531
127
1,658

1,235
1,235
–
–

85
2
5

1,143
1,143
–
–

3
2
15

1,163
1,163
–
–

Consolidated profit and loss account (continued)
for the year ended 31 December 2001

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation (brought forward)
Taxation on ordinary activities

Group profit on ordinary activities after taxation
Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries
Dividends on non-equity shares

Group profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders 

of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

Dividends on equity shares
Transfer to reserves

Profit retained

Earnings per o 0.32 ordinary share – basic

Earnings per o 0.32 ordinary share – adjusted

Earnings per o 0.32 ordinary share – diluted

Notes

16

17
18

19
46

20&47

21(a)

21(b)

21(c)

2001

o m

612
55

557
23
50
73

484
380
63
443

41

2000
Restated
o m

1,161
319

1999
Restated
o m

1,163
333

842
38
20
58

784
335
70
405

379

830
28
16
44

786
288
45
333

453

92.5c

93.5c

91.6c

56.2c

119.4c

55.9c

91.6c

106.7c

91.0c

L Quinn, Chairman. M Buckley, Group Chief Executive. G Kennedy, Group Financial Director.W M Kinsella, Secretary.
The movements in the Group profit and loss account are shown in note 47.

4949

Consolidated balance sheet 
31 December 2001

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Items in course of collection
Central government bills and other eligible bills
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Securitised assets
Less: non-returnable proceeds

Debt securities
Equity shares
Interests in associated undertakings
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Own shares
Other assets
Prepayments and accrued income
Pension asset
Long-term assurance business attributable to shareholders

Long-term assurance assets attributable to policyholders

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Other liabilities
Accruals and deferred income
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Deferred taxation
Subordinated liabilities
Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries
Share capital
Share premium account
Reserves
Profit and loss account
Shareholders’ funds including non-equity interests

Long-term assurance liabilities to policyholders

Memorandum items
Contingent liabilities:

Acceptances and endorsements
Guarantees and assets pledged as collateral security
Other contingent liabilities

Commitments:

Commitments arising out of sale and option to resell transactions
Other commitments

Notes

2001

o m

2000
Restated
o m

1,175
1,536
49
6,047
51,216
1,099
(917)
182
20,082
332
10
495
1,305
245
1,260
2,080
255
304

86,573
2,264

88,837

13,223
54,557
5,033
3,272
2,159
71
300
2,020
312
291
1,926
959
2,450
5,626

86,573
2,264

88,837

142
5,245
1,125

6,512

402
18,597

18,999

938
1,116
297
4,193
45,880
933
(767)
166
18,986
412
8
466
1,127
177
1,645
1,835
625
238

78,109
2,141

80,250

12,478
48,437
4,295
3,079
1,684
43
364
2,249
272
288
1,877
401
2,642
5,208

78,109
2,141

80,250

147
4,027
1,089

5,263

257
15,855

16,112

22
23
24

27
28
29
30
32
33
34

13
35

35

36
37
38
39

40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47

35

49

49

L Quinn, Chairman. M Buckley, Group Chief Executive. G Kennedy, Group Financial Director.W M Kinsella, Secretary.

5050

Balance sheet Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
31 December 2001

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Items in course of collection
Central government bills and other eligible bills
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Debt securities
Equity shares
Shares in Group undertakings
Tangible fixed assets
Other assets
Deferred taxation
Prepayments and accrued income
Pension asset

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Other liabilities
Accruals and deferred income
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Subordinated liabilities
Share capital
Share premium account
Reserves
Profit and loss account
Shareholders’ funds including non-equity interests

Memorandum items
Contingent liabilities:

Acceptances and endorsements
Guarantees and assets pledged as collateral security
Other contingent liabilities

Commitments:

Other commitments

Notes

2001

o m

2000
Restated
o m

455
227
7
11,586
25,496
13,625
18
1,534
562
361
55
1,805
344

412
177
85
10,042
22,207
12,193
28
1,457
531
225
50
1,507
588

56,075

49,502

21,858
24,335
1,893
800
1,781
28
1,230
291
1,926
628
1,305
4,150

20,391
21,299
392
843
1,297
10
1,501
288
1,877
132
1,472
3,769

56,075

49,502

96
3,266
549

3,911

130
2,428
515

3,073

7,734

6,881

22
23
24
28
29
31
33

41

36
37
38
39

40
42
44
45
46
47

49

49

L Quinn, Chairman. M Buckley, Group Chief Executive. G Kennedy, Group Financial Director.W M Kinsella, Secretary.

5151

Consolidated cash flow statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2001

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Dividends received from associated undertakings
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Equity dividends paid
Taxation
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Acquisitions and disposals
Financing

Increase/(decrease) in cash

Reconciliation of Group operating profit to net

cash inflow from operating activities

Group operating profit
Increase in prepayments and accrued income
Increase in accruals and deferred income
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
Provisions for contingent liabilities and commitments
Amounts written off/(written back) fixed asset investments
Increase in other provisions
Depreciation and amortisation
Amortisation of own shares
Profit on disposal of business
Interest on subordinated liabilities
Profit on disposal of debt securities and equity shares
Averaged gains on debt securities held for hedging purposes
Profit on disposal of associated undertakings
Amortisation of (discounts)/premiums on debt
securities held as financial fixed assets
Increase in long-term assurance business

Notes

52(a)

52(b)
52(c)
52(d)
52(e)

52(f)

2001

o m

231

4
(131)
(334)
(242)
700
(59)
208

377

2001

o m

509
(199)
429
179
19
6
19
202
2
93
133
(21)
(24)
(1)

(7)
(66)

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

2,433

3,191

–
(184)
(228)
(199)
(3,004)
2
164

(1,016)

2000
Restated 
o m

1,153
(607)
355
133
2
(1)
11
171
1
–
155
(23)
(16)
(5)

(2)
(72)

2
(108)
(215)
(237)
(1,405)
(391)
640

1,477

1999
Restated
o m

1,143
(20)
351
85
2
5
1
127
–
15
95
(31)
(18)
(3)

13
(47)

Net cash inflow from trading activities

1,273

1,255

1,718

Net increase in deposits by banks
Net increase in customer accounts
Net increase in loans and advances to customers
Net (increase)/decrease in loans and advances to banks
Decrease/(increase) in central government bills
Net increase in debt securities and equity shares 

held for trading purposes

Net (increase)/decrease in items in course of collection
Net increase/(decrease) in debt securities in issue
Net increase in notes in circulation
Decrease/(increase) in other assets
Increase in other liabilities
Effect of exchange translation and other adjustments

Net cash inflow from operating activities

5252

452
4,647
(4,281)
(1,588)
274

(1,394)
(374)
533
44
460
279
(94)

(1,042)

231

3,621
4,854
(5,812)
(1,015)
445

(710)
(160)
(266)
23
(595)
674
119

1,178

2,433

479
2,545
(5,398)
2,748
(414)

(542)
192
1,912
16
(289)
126
98

1,473

3,191

Statement of total recognised gains and losses

Group profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders
Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in retirement benefit schemes (note 13)

Total recognised gains relating to the year
Prior year adjustment

Prior to 1 January 1999
Year ended 31 December 1999
Year ended 31 December 2000

Total recognised gains/(losses) since last annual report

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

784
130
(201)

713

786
288
551

1,625

2001

o m

484
145
(402)

227

224
585
(161)
648

875

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Group profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders
Dividends on equity shares

Other recognised gains relating to the year
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in retirement benefit schemes (note 13)
New ordinary share capital subscribed
Ordinary shares issued in lieu of cash dividend
Goodwill written back
Issue of reserve capital instruments (note 46)

Net addition to shareholders’ funds
Opening shareholders’ funds
Prior year adjustment

Closing shareholders’ funds

Shareholders’ funds:
Equity interests
Non-equity interests

2001

o m

484
380

104
160
(402)
37
23
–
496

418
5,208
–

5,626

4,851
775

5,626

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

784
335

449
150
(201)
27
78
–
–

503
4,705
–

5,208

4,944
264

5,208

786
288

498
325
551
28
39
1
–

1,442
3,039
224

4,705

4,460
245

4,705

Note of historical cost profits and losses

Reported profits on ordinary activities before taxation would not be materially different if presented on an unmodified 

historical cost basis.

5353

Notes to the accounts

1 Turnover
Turnover is not shown as it resulted in the main from the business of banking.

2 Segmental information

Operations by business segments(1)
Net interest income 
Other finance income
Other income before exceptional item

Total operating income before exceptional item
Total operating expenses
Provisions

Group operating profit before 

exceptional item

Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities

before exceptional item

Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

Group profit on ordinary activities

before taxation

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Total risk weighted assets
Net assets

AIB Bank AIB Bank
ROI GB & NI
o m
o m

USA

o m

Capital
Markets
o m

Poland

o m

Group/
ENeB
o m

843
43
359

1,245
641
44

560
–
2

562
–

562

336
3
161

500
259
19

222
–
1

223
–

223

584
2
446

1,032
638
39

355
–
–

355
(789)

(434)

210
8
305

523
296
38

189
5
–

194
–

194

275
–
163

438
396
9

33
–
3

36
–

36

17,797
21,016
23,588
15,987
1,126

7,784
7,015
8,892
7,542
532

14,586
17,226
22,007
22,403
1,578

12,535
21,472
26,939
18,821
1,326

4,646
5,968
7,238
4,105
289

45
11
(8)

48
54
55

(61)
(1)
93

31
–

31

97
116
173
–
–

2001
Total

o m

2,293
67
1,426

3,786
2,284
204

1,298
4
99

1,401
(789)

612

57,445
72,813
88,837
68,858
4,851

AIB Bank AIB Bank
ROI GB & NI
o m
o m

USA

o m

Capital
Markets
o m

Poland

o m

Group/
ENeB
o m

2000 (Restated)
Total

738
46
357

1,141
593
36

512
–
4

516

318
4
151

473
248
20

205
–
–

205

537
4
381

922
554
38

330
–
–

330

127
8
304

439
265
18

156
3
–

159

252
1
153

406
296
23

87
–
1

88

50
8
(42)

16
41
(1)

(24)
–
–

(24)

o m

2,022
71
1,304

3,397
1,997
134

1,266
3
5

1,274

(113)

1,161

15,669
18,609
21,184
14,302
1,174

7,443
6,410
8,487
6,789
557

12,995
15,941
20,415
20,318
1,668

10,386
19,271
23,720
14,879
1,222

3,645
4,897
6,060
3,655
300

101
82
384
279
23

50,239
65,210
80,250
60,222
4,944

Operations by business segments(1)
Net interest income before exceptional item
Other finance income
Other income

Total operating income before exceptional item
Total operating expenses
Provisions

Group operating profit before

exceptional item

Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities before

exceptional item

Deposit interest retention tax
Group profit on ordinary activities

before taxation

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Total risk weighted assets
Net assets

5454

2 Segmental information (continued)

Operations by business segments(1)
Net interest income 
Other finance income
Other income

Total operating income 
Total operating expenses
Provisions

Group operating profit
Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities

before taxation

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Total risk weighted assets
Net assets

AIB Bank AIB Bank
ROI GB & NI
o m
o m

USA

o m

Capital
Markets
o m

Poland

o m

655
36
300

991
526
30

435
–
1

436

277
4
122

403
229
15

159
–
1

160

506
3
296

805
460
33

312
1
–

313

141
6
270

417
244
23

150
2
–

152

139
1
87

227
155
9

63
–
–

63

12,862
16,465
17,615
11,892
1,076

6,444
5,491
7,596
5,987
542

11,769
14,357
17,822
16,898
1,530

9,013
14,758
19,172
11,415
1,033

2,754
3,993
4,997
2,838
257

1999 (Restated)
Total

Group/
ENeB
o m

o m

1,770
71
1,052

2,893
1,658
92

1,143
3
17

1,163

43,127
55,241
67,807
49,275
4,460

52
21
(23)

50
44
(18)

24
–
15

39

285
177
605
245
22

(1)The business segment information is based on management accounts information. Income on capital is allocated to the divisions 
on the basis of the capital required to support the level of risk weighted assets. Interest income earned on capital not allocated 
to divisions, the funding cost of the Bank Zachodni acquisition and central services costs are reported in Group.

United
States of 
America
o m

United
Kingdom

Poland

Rest of
the world

o m

o m

o m

Republic of
Ireland

Operations by geographical segments (2)
Net interest income
Other finance income
Other income before exceptional item

o m

924
60
582

Total operating income before exceptional item 1,566
885
Total operating expenses
132
Provisions

Group operating profit before 

exceptional item

Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities

before exceptional item

Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

Group profit on ordinary activities

before taxation

549
4
2

555
–

555

627
2
426

1,055
653
44

358
–
–

358
(789)

(431)

450
5
254

709
350
19

340
–
1

341
–

341

289
–
165

454
393
9

52
–
3

55
–

55

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Net assets

27,224
33,062
42,089
2,245

14,665
19,078
22,729
1,257

10,899
14,705
16,772
1,029

4,646
5,968
7,235
320

3
–
(1)

2
3
–

(1)
–
93

92
–

92

11
–
12
–

2001
Total

o m

2,293
67
1,426

3,786
2,284
204

1,298
4
99

1,401
(789)

612

57,445
72,813
88,837
4,851

5555

Notes to the accounts

Republic of
Ireland

2 Segmental information (continued)

Operations by geographical segments (2)
Net interest income before exceptional item
Other finance income
Other income

o m

791
62
570

Total operating income before exceptional item 1,423
801
Total operating expenses
51
Provisions

Group operating profit before 

exceptional item

Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities

before exceptional item

Deposit interest retention tax
Group profit on ordinary activities

before taxation

571
3
3

577

United
States of 
America
o m

United
Kingdom

o m

Poland

o m

Rest of
the world

o m

568
4
336

908
569
38

301
–
–

301

392
5
243

640
332
23

285
–
1

286

269
–
151

420
292
23

105
–
1

106

2
–
4

6
3
(1)

4
–
–

4

2000 (Restated)
Total

o m

2,022
71
1,304

3,397
1,997
134

1,266
3
5

1,274

(113)

1,161

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Net assets

24,027
29,055
36,889
2,009

13,018
17,585
20,891
1,700

9,545
13,672
16,170
914

3,645
4,897
6,052
300

4
1
248
21

50,239
65,210
80,250
4,944

1999 (Restated)

Operations by geographical segments (2)
Net interest income
Other finance income
Other income

Total operating income
Total operating expenses
Provisions

Group operating profit
Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposals

Group profit on ordinary activities 

before taxation

Balance sheet
Total loans
Total deposits
Total assets
Net assets

Republic of
Ireland

o m

754
62
483

1,299
726
48

525
2
16

543

20,511
25,056
31,676
1,821

United
States of
America
o m

United
Kingdom

o m

Poland

Rest of
the world

o m

o m

514
3
299

816
470
22

324
1
–

325

350
6
182

538
298
10

230
–
1

231

11,797
15,410
18,125
1,544

8,061
10,787
12,764
816

149
–
86

235
154
9

72
–
–

72

2,751
3,988
5,000
257

3
–
2

5
10
3

(8)
–
–

(8)

7
–
242
22

Total

o m

1,770
71
1,052

2,893
1,658
92

1,143
3
17

1,163

43,127
55,241
67,807
4,460

(2)The geographical distribution of profit before taxation is based primarily on the location of the office recording the transaction.

5656

2 Segmental information (continued)

Assets by segment
The fungible nature of liabilities within the banking industry inevitably leads to allocations of liabilities to segments, some of which are
necessarily subjective. Accordingly, the directors believe that the analysis of total assets is more meaningful than the analysis of net assets.

3 Other interest receivable and similar income

Interest on loans and advances to banks
Interest on loans and advances to customers
Income from leasing and hire purchase contracts

Income from leasing and hire purchase contracts has been accounted for as follows:

Investment period method
Sum of the digits method

4 Interest payable

Interest on deposits by banks and customer accounts
Interest on debt securities in issue
Interest on subordinated liabilities

2001
o m

255
3,684
209

4,148

134
75

209

2001
o m

2,744
176
133

3,053

2000
o m

238
3,544
205

3,987

135
70

205

2000
o m

2,701
249
155

3,105

1999
o m

157
2,683
169

3,009

113
56

169

1999
o m

1,818
159
95

2,072

5 Deposit interest retention tax (‘DIRT’) 
On 3 October 2000, AIB announced that it had reached a full and final settlement with the Irish Revenue Commissioners of
o 114.33m in relation to DIRT, interest and penalties in Ireland for the period April 1986 to April 1999.The settlement included 
o 1.37m paid in prior years. Although AIB believe that it had an agreement with the Revenue Commissioners in 1991 in relation to
DIRT, the Board considered that concluding this settlement was in the best interests of shareholders, customers and staff. As a result an
exceptional charge of o 112.96m was reflected in the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2000.

6 Other finance income
Under FRS 17 ‘Retirement benefits’, the net of the interest cost on liabilities and the expected return on assets is to be recorded 
as other finance income adjacent to interest.The interest cost represents the unwinding of the discount on the scheme liabilities.
The expected return on assets is based on long-term expectations at the beginning of the period.

A description of the retirement benefit schemes operated by the Group is provided in note 13.

7 Dividend income
The dividend income relates to income from equity shares.

8 Dealing profits

(a) Dealing profits (before exceptional losses)

Foreign exchange contracts
Profits less losses from securities held for trading purposes
Interest rate contracts

2001
o m

75
2
15

92

2000
o m

69
42
(8)

103

1999
o m

30
28
16

74

Dealing profits is a term prescribed by the European Communities (Credit Institutions:Accounts) Regulations, 1992. Dealing profits reflects
trading income and excludes interest payable and receivable arising from these activities. Staff and other administrative expenses arising from
trading activities are not included here but are included under the appropriate heading within administrative expenses (note 10(a)).

5757

Notes to the accounts

8 Dealing profits (continued)

(b) Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
On 6 February 2002, the Group announced that investigations had commenced into foreign exchange trading operations at its US
subsidiary, Allfirst Bank.The investigations have indicated that certain fraudulent activities have given rise to losses in the amount of
US$ 691.2m.The losses occurred over a number of years as follows:- 2002: US$ 17.2m; 2001: US$ 373.3m; 2000: US$ 211.0m;
1999: US$ 48.2m; 1998: US$ 12.4m; and 1997: US$ 29.1m.

In accordance with Irish GAAP the total costs arising from the fraud have been reflected by way of an exceptional pre-tax charge

of o 789m (after tax o 513m) in the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2001. Reflecting the losses in the years they arose
would have the effect of increasing pre-tax profits in 2001 by o 348m while reported pre-tax profits in 2000 and 1999, would have
been lower by o 228m and o 45m, respectively. Earnings per share – basic for 2001, 2000, and 1999, would have been 82.5c, 74.3c,
and 89.1c, respectively. In addition shareholders funds at 31 December 2000 would have been lower by o 210m.

Treatment of exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses for US reporting purposes
Under US reporting requirements, the filing of the 2001 financial statements will effectively constitute a reissue of the financial
statements for prior years. Accordingly, in the financial information provided to US investors the Irish GAAP statements for prior
years will require to be restated as set out in Note 62.

9 Other operating income

Profit/(loss) on disposal of debt securities held for investment purposes
Profit on disposal of investments in associated undertakings
(Loss)/profit on disposal of equity shares
Contribution of life assurance company (note 35)
Contribution from securitised assets (note 27)
Mortgage origination and servicing income
Miscellaneous operating income

10 Administrative expenses

(a) Staff and other administrative expenses

Staff costs:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Retirement benefits service costs (note 13)
Other staff costs

Other administrative expenses

2001
o m

2000
o m

1999
o m

24
1
(3)
84
5
10
72

(1)
5
24
95
4
3
72

16
3
15
64
3
3
56

193

202

160

2001

o m

1,066
104
106
72

1,348
703

2,051

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

934
85
113
60

1,192
634

1,826

785
68
107
50

1,010
521

1,531

(b) Integration costs in continuing businesses
On 13 June 2001, Bank Zachodni S.A. (Group interest 83.01%) merged with Wielkopolski Bank Kredytowy S.A. (Group interest
60.14%) through a share for share offering.The enlarged company, now called Bank Zachodni WBK S.A. (Group interest 70.47%),
is listed on the Warsaw stock exchange.These costs relate to the integration of the two businesses.

5858

11 Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:

Property depreciation
Equipment depreciation

Amortisation of goodwill (note 32)

12 Amounts written off/(written back) fixed asset investments

Debt securities
Equity shares
Interests in associated undertakings

2001
o m

37
127

164
31

195

2001
o m

6
(1)
1

6

2000
o m

32
113

145
26

171

2000
o m

(1)
–
–

(1)

1999
o m

20
99

119
8

127

1999
o m

2
3
–

5

13 Retirement benefits
The Group provides pension benefits for employees in Ireland, the UK, and the US, the majority of which are funded. Certain 
post-retirement benefits are also provided for retired employees, primarily healthcare and life insurance benefits in the US.

The Group operates a number of defined benefit schemes.The majority of staff in the Republic of Ireland are members of 
the AIB Group Irish Pension Scheme (the Irish scheme) while the majority of staff in the UK are members of the AIB Group 
UK Pension Scheme (the UK scheme). Allfirst sponsors a number of defined benefit schemes, the largest of which (the US scheme)
covers substantially all employees of Allfirst and its subsidiaries. Retirement benefits for the defined benefit schemes are calculated 
by reference to service and pensionable salary at normal retirement date.

Independent actuarial valuations, for the main Irish and UK schemes, are carried out on a triennial basis.The last such valuation

was carried out on 1 January 2001 using the Projected Unit Method.The schemes are funded and contribution rates of 10.0% 
and 22.6% have been set for the Irish and UK schemes respectively. As both these schemes are closed to new entrants, under the
Projected Unit Method, the current service cost and the standard contribution rates will increase as members of the schemes
approach retirement. Independent actuarial valuations of the US schemes are carried out annually.The last such valuation was 
carried out on 31 December 2001 using the Projected Unit Method. No contributions will be made in 2002 in respect of the 
main US scheme.The actuarial valuations are available for inspection only to the members of the schemes.
The following table summarises the financial assumptions adopted in respect of the main schemes.

as at 31 December

Financial assumptions

Irish scheme
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Discount rate
Inflation assumptions

UK scheme
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Discount rate
Inflation assumptions

US scheme
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Discount rate
Inflation assumptions

2001
%

4.0
2.5
5.75
2.5

4.0
2.5
6.0
2.5

4.5
–
6.94
3.0

2000
%

4.0
2.5
5.75
2.5

4.0
2.5
6.0
2.5

4.0
–
7.47
3.0

1999
%

4.0
2.5
5.75
2.5

4.0
2.5
6.0
2.5

4.0
–
7.93
3.0

5959

Notes to the accounts

13 Retirement benefits (continued)
The following table sets out on a combined basis for all schemes the fair value of the assets held by the schemes together with the 
long term rate of return expected for each class of assets.

Equities
Bonds
Other

Total market value of assets
Actuarial value of liabilities

Surplus in the schemes
Related deferred tax liability

Net pension asset

as at 31 December 2001

Long term
rate of return
expected
%

8.6
5.6
4.9

Value
% m

2,138
391
373

2,902
(2,645)

257
2

255

as at 31 December 2000
Long term
rate of return
expected
%

Value
% m

as at 31 December 1999
Long term
rate of return
expected
%

Value
% m

7.4
5.9
5.1

2,280
443
407

3,130
(2,403)

727
102

625

7.1
5.3
5.1

2,405
374
313

3,092
(2,146)

946
150

796

Included in the actuarial value of the liabilities is an amount in respect of commitments to pay annual pensions amounting to 
v 102,936 in aggregate to a number of former directors.

The following table sets out the components of the defined benefit cost for each of the three years ended 31 December 2001,

2000 and 1999.

2001
% m

213
(146)
67

79
5
84

17

2001
% m

(438)
(32)
(32)

(502)
100

(402)

2000
% m

203
(132)
71

75
21
96

25

2000
% m

(158)
(72)
(18)

(248)
47

(201)

1999
% m

189
(118)
71

90
5
95

24

1999
% m

324
(16)
354

662
(111)

551

Other finance income

Expected return on pension scheme assets
Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Included within administrative expenses

Current service cost
Past service cost

Cost of providing defined retirement benefits

Analysis of the amount recognised in STRGL

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets
Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities
Changes in demographic and financial assumptions

Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised
Deferred tax

Recognised in STRGL

6060

13 Retirement benefits (continued)

Movement in surplus during the year

Surplus in scheme at beginning of year
Movement in year:
Current service cost
Past service costs
Contributions
Other finance income
Actuarial (loss)/gain
Translation adjustment

Surplus in scheme at end of year

History of experience gains and losses

Difference between expected and actual return on scheme assets:
Amount
Percentage of scheme assets
Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities:
Amount 
Percentage of scheme liabilities
Total amount recognised in STRGL:
Amount 
Percentage of scheme liabilities

2001
% m

727

(79)
(5)
50
67
(502)
(1)

257

2001
% m

(438)
15%

(32)
1%

(502)
19%

2000
% m

946

(75)
(21)
47
71
(248)
7

727

2000
% m

(158)
5%

(72)
3%

(248)
10%

1999
% m

245

(90)
(5)
54
71
662
9

946

1999
% m

324
10%

(16)
1%

662
31%

The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes.The defined benefit schemes in Ireland and the UK were closed 
to new members from December 1997. Employees joining after December 1997 join on a defined contribution basis.The standard
contribution rate in Ireland is 10%.The standard contribution rate in the UK is 5% and these members are also accruing benefits
under SERPS (the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme). Allfirst provides a defined contribution plan whereby eligible employees
can contribute, subject to certain limitations, varying percentages of their annual compensation. Allfirst matches 100% of the first 
3% and 50% of the next 3% of an employee’s contribution.The total cost in respect of defined contribution schemes for 2001 was 
% 22m (2000: % 17m; 1999: C 12m).

14 Profit on disposal of business
In August 2001, AIB’s interests in Keppel Capital Holdings Ltd. were sold to Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, giving
rise to a profit before taxation on disposal of o 93m (tax charge o nil).

In October 1999, AIB’s private banking and treasury operations in Singapore were sold to Keppel TatLee Bank Limited, giving

rise to a profit before taxation on disposal of o 15m (tax charge o 4m).

6161

Notes to the accounts

15 Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation

Is stated after:
(i)  Income:

(ii) Expenses:

Listed investments
Unlisted investments
Operating lease rentals

Property
Equipment

Auditors’ remuneration (including VAT):

Audit services:

Statutory audit
Audit related services

Non-audit services:

IT consultancy
Taxation services
Other consultancy

2001
o m

778
431

47
4

1.8
0.9
2.7
0.4
0.6
1.2
2.2

2000
o m

651
495

46
4

1.7
0.8
2.5
4.0
1.0
0.8
5.8

1999
o m

443
392

40
3

1.3
0.6
1.9
–
1.0
0.4
1.4

Audit services include fees for the statutory audits of the Group and fees for assignments which are of an audit nature.These fees 
include assignments where the auditors provide assurance to third parties.

In the year ended 31 December 2001, 73% of the total audit services fees (2000: 70%; 1999: 67%) and 64% of the non-audit 

services fees (2000: 56%; 1999: 100%) were paid to overseas offices of the auditors.

Included in non-audit services for 2001 are fees for work associated with the merger of Bank Zachodni and Wielkopolski Bank
Kredytowy.The level of non-audit services fees for 2000 is primarily due to fees for a number of significant IT assignments.The Audit
Committee has reviewed the level of non-audit services fees and is satisfied that it has not affected the independence of the Auditors.
It is Group policy to subject all large consultancy assignments to competitive tender.

16 Taxation

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and subsidiaries

Corporation tax in Republic of Ireland

Current tax on income for the period
Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Double taxation relief

Foreign tax

Current tax on income for the period
Adjustments in respect of prior periods

Stamp duty on section 84 interest

Deferred taxation on ordinary activities

2001

o m

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

88
(6)
82
(17)

65

64
(8)
56
–

121
(66)

55

69
(1)
68
(15)

53

146
(5)
141
–

194
125

319

107
–
107
(14)

93

120
1
121
1

215
118

333

Effective tax rate – adjusted(1)

23.6%

25.8%

28.6%

(1)The adjusted effective tax rate has been presented to eliminate the effect of the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in 2001
(note 8(b)) and the deposit interest retention tax settlement in 2000 (note 5).

6262

17 Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries

The profit attributable to minority interests is analysed as follows:

Equity interest in subsidiaries
Non-equity interest in subsidiaries

18 Dividends on non-equity shares

Non-cumulative preference shares of US $25 each
Dividends paid and accrued*
Amortisation of issue costs

Reserve capital instruments 
Interest cost
Amortisation of issue costs

2001
o m

15
8

23

2001
o m

15
–
15

34
1
35

50

2000
o m

28
10

38

2000
o m

20
–
20

–
–
–

20

1999
o m

18
10

28

1999
o m

16
–
16

–
–
–

16

*Includes an amount of o 2m which has been accrued (2000: o 4m; 1999: o 4m).

19 Dividends on equity shares

Ordinary shares of o 0.32 each
Interim dividend
Second interim dividend
Final dividend

Employee share trusts(1)

2001

2000
cent per o 0.32 share

1999

2001
o m

2000
o m

1999
o m

15.40
28.40
–

43.80

13.50
–
25.25

38.75

11.85
–
21.85

33.70

136
250
–

386

(6)

380

117
–
221

338

(3)

335

102
–
188

290

(2)

288

(1)In accordance with Financial Reporting Standard No. 14 ‘Earnings per share’ (FRS 14), dividends of o 5.8m (2000: o 3.4m;
1999: o 2.0m) arising on the shares held by certain employee share trusts (note 34) are excluded in arriving at profit before taxation
and deducted from the aggregate of dividends paid and proposed.

20 Profit retained

The transfer to the profit and loss account is dealt with

in the Group accounts as follows:
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Subsidiary undertakings
Associated undertakings

2001

o m

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

3
39
(1)

41

202
174
3

379

102
351
–

453

As permitted by Regulation 5, paragraph 2 of the European Communities (Credit Institutions: Accounts) Regulations, 1992, the
profit and loss account of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. has not been presented separately.

6363

Notes to the accounts

21 Earnings per o 0.32 ordinary share

(a) Basic 
Group profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders(1)
Weighted average number of shares in issue during the year(1)
Earnings per share

2001

2000
Restated

1999
Restated

o 484m
861.4m
EUR 56.2c

o 784m
856.1m
EUR 91.6c

o 786m
850.3m
EUR 92.5c

(1)In accordance with FRS 14 - ‘Earnings per share’, dividends arising on the shares held by the employee share trusts (note 34) are
excluded in arriving at profit before taxation and deducted from the aggregate of dividends paid and proposed.The shares held by 
the trusts are excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of shares in issue.

(b) Adjusted

As reported
Adjustments
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses (note 8(b))
Deposit interest retention tax (note 5)
Goodwill amortisation (note 32)

Earnings per o 0.32 ordinary share
2001
1999
2000
Restated
Restated 
cent per o 0.32 share

56.2

59.6
–
3.6

91.6

–
12.0
3.1

119.4

106.7

92.5

–
–
1.0

93.5

The adjusted earnings per share figure has been presented to eliminate the effect of the goodwill amortisation in 2001, 2000 and
1999, the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in 2001 and the deposit interest retention tax settlement in 2000.

(c) Diluted

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period
Dilutive effect of options outstanding

Diluted

2001

861.4
5.7

867.1

2000
Restated

1999
Restated

Number of shares (millions)
856.1
5.8

861.9

850.3
8.9

859.2

The weighted average number of ordinary shares reflects the dilutive effect of options outstanding under the employee share trusts
(note 34), the Share Option Scheme (note 44) and the Allfirst Stock Option Plan (note 44).

22 Central government bills and other eligible bills

Group
Held as financial fixed assets

Treasury bills and similar securities

Held for trading purposes

Treasury bills 

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Held as financial fixed assets

Treasury bills and similar securities

Held for trading purposes

Treasury bills

6464

Book
amount
o m

2001
Market
value
o m

Book
amount
o m

45

4

49

4

3

7

45

4

282

15

297

84

1

85

2000
Market
value
o m

284

86

22 Central government bills and other eligible bills (continued)

Analysis of movements in central government bills
and other eligible bills held as financial fixed assets
At 1 January 2001
Exchange translation adjustments
Purchases
Disposals/maturities
Amortisation of discounts

At 31 December 2001

23 Loans and advances to banks

Funds placed with the Central Bank of Ireland
Funds placed with other central banks
Funds placed with other banks

Analysed by remaining maturity:
Repayable on demand
Other loans and advances by remaining maturity:

Over 5 years
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less

General and specific bad and doubtful debt provisions (note 26)

Due from subsidiary undertakings:

Subordinated
Unsubordinated

Group

o m

Allied Irish
Banks, p.l.c.
o m

282
15
4,938
(5,243)
53

45

84
3
4
(87)
–

4

2001
o m

399
34
5,614

6,047

Group
2000
o m

304
385
3,504

4,193

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

344
5
11,237

244
4
9,794

11,586

10,042

1,477

1,284

234

786

230
219
722
3,401

6,049
2

6,047

206
25
183
2,498

4,196
3

4,193

8
61
462
2,132

2,897
–

2,897

125
8,564
8,689

8
19
87
1,023

1,923
–

1,923

123
7,996
8,119

11,586

10,042

6565

Notes to the accounts

24 Loans and advances to customers

Loans and advances to customers
Amounts receivable under finance leases
Amounts receivable under hire purchase contracts
Money market funds

Analysed by remaining maturity:

Over 5 years
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less

General and specific bad and doubtful debt provisions (note 26)

Due from subsidiary undertakings:

Subordinated
Unsubordinated

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

2001
o m

47,674
2,447
863
232

Group
2000
o m

42,159
2,446
846
429

25,311
4
–
181

51,216

45,880

25,496

17,502
17,032
8,247
9,442

52,223
1,007

15,577
15,902
6,629
8,641

46,749
869

8,005
6,026
3,654
4,990

22,675
292

51,216

45,880

22,383

83
3,030
3,113

21,963
4
–
240

22,207

6,619
5,116
2,564
4,989

19,288
215

19,073

83
3,051
3,134

Of which repayable on demand or at short notice

10,889

9,108

8,073

7,273

Amounts include:
Due from associated undertakings

–

–

–

–

o 958m and o 923m (2000: o 765m and o 823m) of loans and advances were pledged as collateral with the Central Bank of Ireland
and The Federal Reserve Bank, respectively.

The cost of assets acquired for letting under finance leases and hire purchase contracts amounted to o 1,406m (2000: o 1,703m).

25,496

22,207

Non-performing loans – Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis
AIB Bank ROI division
AIB Bank GB & NI division
USA division
Capital Markets division
Poland division

2001
o m

162
107
87
34
643

1,033

Group

2000
o m

139
93
87
29
523

871

6666

25 Concentrations of credit risk

Construction and property
Republic of Ireland
United States of America
United Kingdom
Poland

2001
% of total

loans(1)

7.8
5.7
4.1
0.4

18.0

o m

4,062
2,988
2,156
230

9,436

2000
% of total

loans(1)

7.4
6.1
4.0
0.4

17.9

o m

3,455
2,862
1,850
187

8,354

The construction and property portfolio is well diversified across the Group’s principal markets by spread of location and individual
customer. In addition, the Group’s outstandings are dispersed across the segments within the construction and property portfolio to
ensure that the credit risk is widely spread.

Residential mortgages
Republic of Ireland
United States of America
United Kingdom
Poland

2001
% of total

loans(1)

11.3
1.1
3.8
0.3

16.5

o m

5,930
550
1,965
181

8,626

2000
% of total

loans(1)

10.5
1.5
3.8
0.2

16.0

o m

4,922
705
1,775
78

7,480

The residential mortgage portfolio contains high quality lendings which are well diversified by borrower and are represented across
the Group’s principal markets.

(1)Total loans are gross of provisions and unearned income and exclude money market funds.

6767

Notes to the accounts

26 Provisions for bad
and doubtful debts

Specific
o m

General
o m

Group
At 1 January
Exchange translation adjustments
Acquisition of Group undertakings
Charge against profit and loss account
Transfer to specific
Amounts written off
Recoveries of amounts written 

off in previous years

At 31 December 

Amounts include:
Loans and advances to banks (note 23)
Loans and advances to customers (note 24)

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
At 1 January
Exchange translation adjustments
Charge against profit and loss account
Transfer to specific
Amounts written off
Recoveries of amounts written

off in previous years

At 31 December (note 24)

452
32
–
–
159
(113)

25

555

2
553

555

65
–
–
29
(28)

12

78

420
14
–
179
(159)
–

–

454

–
454

454

150
2
91
(29)
–

–

214

2001
Total
o m

872
46
–
179
–
(113)

25

1,009

2
1,007

1,009

215
2
91
–
(28)

12

292

Specific
o m

General 
o m

401
17
28
–
106
(132)

32

452

3
449

452

75
1
–
23
(47)

13

65

370
16
7
133
(106)
–

–

420

–
420

420

128
1
44
(23)
–

–

150

2000
Total
o m

771
33
35
133
–
(132)

32

872

3
869

872

203
2
44
–
(47)

13

215

The provisions for bad and doubtful debts in Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. at 31 December 2001 and 2000 relate to loans and 
advances to customers only.

6868

27 Securitised assets

Securitised assets
Less: non-returnable proceeds

Asset backed
securities
o m

1,099
(917)

182

2001
Total

o m

1,099
(917)

182

Mortgages

o m

16
–

16

Asset backed
securities
o m

917
(767)

150

2000
Total

o m

933
(767

166

In July 1999 and December 2000 a subsidiary company securitised and sold part of its Asset Backed Securities portfolio to a third
party. Under the terms of the agreement AIB has the option to transfer additional assets to the third party. AIB is not obliged,
nor does it intend, to support any losses in this portfolio in excess of the net amount recognised as an asset on the balance sheet.

The contribution from these securitised assets, included in other operating income, is analysed below.

Net interest income
Other income

Total operating income
Total operating expenses

Provisions for bad and doubtful debts

Contribution from securitised assets (note 9)

2001
o m

2000
o m

1999
o m

5
–

5
–

5
–

5

5
–

5
1

4
–

4

4
1

5
1

4
1

3

6969

Notes to the accounts

28 Debt securities

Group
Held as financial fixed assets
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Held for trading purposes
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Group
Held as financial fixed assets
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Held for trading purposes
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Book
amount

o m

Gross
unrealised
gains
o m

Gross
unrealised
losses
o m

87
48

1
87
223

(19)
(7)

–
(28)
(54)

5,014
4,012

518
6,755
16,299

511
1,401

48
1,823
3,783

2001
Market
value

o m

5,082
4,053

519
6,814
16,468

511
1,401

48
1,823
3,783

20,082

223

(54)

20,251

Book
amount

o m

Gross
unrealised
gains
o m

Gross
unrealised
losses
o m

40
18

1
46
105

(51)
(24)

–
(14)
(89)

6,113
4,001

395
6,136
16,645

431
904

46
960
2,341

2000
Market
value

o m

6,102
3,995

396
6,168
16,661

431
904

46
960
2,341

Market value is market price for quoted securities and directors’ estimate for unquoted securities.

18,986

105

(89)

19,002

7070

28 Debt securities (continued)

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Held as financial fixed assets
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Held for trading purposes
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Held as financial fixed assets
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Held for trading purposes
Issued by public bodies:

Government securities
Other public sector securities

Issued by other issuers:

Bank and building society certificates of deposit
Other debt securities

Book
amount

o m

Gross
unrealised
gains
o m

Gross
unrealised
losses
o m

53
–

1
73
127

(19)
–

–
(25)
(44)

3,624
400

518
5,749
10,291

177
1,354

–
1,803
3,334

2001
Market
value

o m

3,658
400

519
5,797
10,374

177
1,354

–
1,803
3,334

13,625

127

(44)

13,708

Book
amount

o m

Gross
unrealised
gains
o m

Gross
unrealised
losses
o m

37
–

–
42
79

(37)
(1)

–
(11)
(49)

4,395
645

278
4,948
10,266

97
901

–
929
1,927

2000
Market
value

o m

4,395
644

278
4,979
10,296

97
901

–
929
1,927

Market value is market price for quoted securities and directors’ estimate for unquoted securities.

12,193

79

(49)

12,223

7171

Notes to the accounts

28 Debt securities (continued)

Analysed by remaining maturity

Due within one year
Due one year and over

Analysed by listing status

Group
Held as financial fixed assets
Listed on a recognised stock exchange
Quoted elsewhere
Unquoted

Held for trading purposes
Listed on a recognised stock exchange
Quoted elsewhere
Unquoted

2001
o m

4,596
15,486
20,082

Book
amount
o m

10,133
4,826
1,340
16,299

3,525
170
88
3,783

20,082

Group
2000
o m

3,874
15,112
18,986

2001
Market
value
o m

10,255
4,877
1,336
16,468

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

2,198
9,995
12,193

2000
Market
value
o m

10,876
4,785
1,000
16,661

2,875
10,750
13,625

Book
amount
o m

10,848
4,797
1,000
16,645

2,251
7
83
2,341

18,986

Debt securities with a book value of o 1,033m (2000: c 1,106m) were pledged to secure public funds, trust deposits, funds transactions
and other purposes required by law. Debt securities subject to repurchase agreements amounted to o 1,956m (2000: o 1,761m).
Subordinated debt securities included as financial fixed assets amounted to o 5m at 31 December 2001 (2000: o 5m).
The amount of unamortised discounts net of premiums on debt securities held as financial fixed assets amounted to o 98m 

(2000: o 86m).

The cost of debt securities held for trading purposes amounted to o 3,801m (2000: o 2,346m).

Analysed by listing status

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Held as financial fixed assets
Listed on a recognised stock exchange
Quoted elsewhere
Unquoted

Held for trading purposes
Listed on a recognised stock exchange
Quoted elsewhere
Unquoted

2000
Market
value
o m

9,585
443
268
10,296

2001
Market
value
o m

8,914
613
847
10,374

Book
amount
o m

8,819
621
851
10,291

3,294
40
–
3,334

13,625

Book
amount
o m

9,550
448
268
10,266

1,927
–
–
1,927

12,193

Debt securities subject to repurchase agreements amounted to o 1,180m (2000: o 928m).

The amount of unamortised premiums net of discounts on debt securities held as financial fixed assets was o 17m (2000: o 24m).
The cost of debt securities held for trading purposes was o 3,347m (2000: o 1,921m).

7272

28 Debt securities (continued)

Analysis of movements in debt securities 

held as financial fixed assets

Group
At 1 January 2001
Exchange translation adjustments
Purchases
Realisations/maturities
Transfer from trading debt securities
Charge to profit and loss account (note 12)
Amortisation of discounts net of (premiums)

At 31 December 2001

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
At 1 January 2001
Exchange translation adjustments
Purchases
Realisations/maturities
Charge to profit and loss account (note 12)
Amortisation of (premiums) net of discounts

At 31 December 2001

Cost

o m

Discounts
and
premiums
o m

Amounts
written
off
o m

Book
amount

o m

16,645
513
8,321
(9,240)
12
–
–

16,251

10,314
183
4,700
(4,880)
–
–

10,317

(1)
5
–
40
2
–
7

53

(48)
1
–
50
–
(23)

(20)

1
–
–
–
–
(6)
–

(5)

–
–
–
–
(6)
–

(6)

16,645
518
8,321
(9,200)
14
(6)
7

16,299

10,266
184
4,700
(4,830)
(6)
(23)

10,291

7373

Notes to the accounts

29 Equity shares

Group
Held as financial fixed assets
Listed on a recognised stock exchange
Unquoted

Held for trading purposes
Listed on a recognised stock exchange

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Held as financial fixed assets
Unquoted

Held for trading purposes
Listed on a recognised stock exchange

Analysis of movements in equity shares held as financial fixed assets

Group
At 1 January 2001
Credit against profit and loss account (note 12)
Exchange translation adjustments
Transfer to associated undertakings (note 30)
Transfer to trading equity securities
Purchases
Disposals

At 31 December 2001

Book
amount
o m

2001
Market
value
o m

Book
amount
o m

2000
Market
value
o m

127
156
283

49

332

3

15

18

124
159
283

3

Cost

o m

386
–
18
(3)
(3)
129
(227)

300

165
193
358

1

175
189
364

48

412

1

27

28

Amounts
written
off
o m

Book
amount

o m

(22)
1
2
–
–
–
2

(17)

364
1
20
(3)
(3)
129
(225)

283

7474

30 Interests in associated undertakings

At 1 January
Exchange translation adjustments
Transfer from/(to) equity shares (note 29)
Charge to profit and loss account (note 12)
Purchases
Profit retained

At 31 December

2001
o m

8
–
3
(1)
1
(1)

10

The Group’s interests in associated undertakings are shown after accumulated provisions for write-downs of o 1m (2000: nil).
The movements in the provisions are as follows:

At 1 January
Charge to profit and loss account

At 31 December

2001
o m

–
1

1

The Group’s interests in associated undertakings, all of which are non-credit institutions, are unlisted and are held by subsidiary
undertakings.

The exemption permitted by the European Communities (Credit Institutions: Accounts) Regulations, 1992, has been availed 
of and, in accordance with the regulations, Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. will annex a full listing of associated undertakings to its annual
return to the companies registration office.

2000
o m

22
2
(23)
–
4
3

8

2000
o m

–
–

–

7575

Notes to the accounts

31 Shares in Group undertakings

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
At 1 January
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December

At 31 December
Credit institutions
Other

Total – all unquoted

2001
o m

1,457
77

1,534

1,328
206

1,534

2000
o m

1,368
89

1,457

1,255
202

1,457

The shares in Group undertakings are included in the accounts on a historical cost basis.

Principal subsidiary undertakings incorporated 

in the Republic of Ireland

Nature of business

AIB Capital Markets plc*
AIB Corporate Finance Limited
AIB Finance Limited*
AIB Leasing Limited
AIB Fund Management Limited(a)
AIB Investment Managers Limited(a)
AIB International Financial Services Limited
Ark Life Assurance Company Limited*
Goodbody Holdings Limited

*Group interest is held directly by Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

Banking and financial services
Corporate finance
Industrial banking
Leasing
Unit trust management
Investment management
International financial services
Life assurance and pensions business
Stockbroking and corporate finance

(a)The Group’s interests in AIB Fund Management Limited and AIB Investment Managers Limited are held through the Group’s
equity interest of 85.86% in AIB Asset Management Holdings Limited.

The above subsidiary undertakings are incorporated in the Republic of Ireland and are wholly-owned unless otherwise stated.
The issued share capital of each undertaking is denominated in ordinary shares.

7676

31 Shares in Group undertakings (continued)

Principal subsidiary undertakings incorporated

outside the Republic of Ireland

Allfirst Bank 

Registered office:

25 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
(Common stock shares of US $10 each – Group interest 100%)

AIB Group (UK) p.l.c.

trading as First Trust Bank in Northern Ireland 
trading as Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Great Britain

Registered office:

4 Queen’s Square, Belfast, BT1 3DJ

Nature of business

Banking and financial services

Banking and financial services

AIB Bank (CI) Limited*

Banking services

Registered office:

AIB House, Grenville Street, St. Helier, Jersey

AIB Bank (Isle of Man) Limited*

Banking services

Registered office:

10 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man

AIB Asset Management Holdings Limited

Funds management

Registered office:

Shackleton House, 4 Battle Bridge Lane, London SE1 2HR
(Ordinary shares of Stg £0.01 each – Group interest 85.86%)
(Cumulative redeemable preference shares of 
Stg £0.01 each – Group interest 100%)

Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.

Banking and financial services

Registered office:

Rynek 9/11, 50-950 Wroclaw, Poland
(Ordinary shares of PLN 10 each - Group interest 70.47%)

*Group interest is held directly by Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

The above subsidiary undertakings are wholly-owned unless otherwise stated.The registered office of each is located in the principal
country of operation.The issued share capital of each undertaking is denominated in ordinary shares unless otherwise indicated.
In presenting details of the principal subsidiary undertakings the exemption permitted by the European Communities 

(Credit Institutions: Accounts) Regulations, 1992, has been availed of and, in accordance with the regulations, Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
will annex a full listing of subsidiary undertakings to its annual return to the companies registration office.

7777

Intangible fixed assets comprise purchased goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiary and associated undertakings. Prior to 
1 January 1998 goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiary and associated undertakings was taken directly to profit and loss 
account reserves.The goodwill arising on acquisitions during 2001 and 2000 is set out in the following table:

Notes to the accounts

32 Intangible fixed assets

Goodwill
Cost at 1 January 
Arising on acquisitions during the year 
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 

Accumulated amortisation at 1 January 
Charge for the year (note 11)

At 31 December

Net book value
At 31 December 

Community Counselling Service Co., Inc.
Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.
Other

33 Tangible fixed assets

Group
Cost or valuation at 1 January 2001
Additions
Acquisition of Group undertaking
Disposals
Transfers
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2001
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Transfers
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

Net book value
At 31 December 2001

At 31 December 2000

7878

2001
o m

2000
o m

500
59
1

560

34
31

65

495

2001
o m

51
4
4

59

476
24
–

500

8
26

34

466

2000
o m

–
24
–

24

Freehold

Long
leasehold

o m

o m

Property
Leasehold
under 50
years
o m

Equipment

Total

o m

o m

657
42
–
(12)
11
27

725

66
23
(1)
3
5

96

629

591

127
4
–
(1)
–
–

130

6
3
–
–
–

9

121

121

157
19
–
(3)
(10)
5

168

80
12
(2)
(3)
3

90

78

77

1,084
263
2
(39)
(1)
40

1,349

746
133
(28)
–
21

872

477

338

2,025
328
2
(55)
–
72

2,372

898
171
(31)
–
29

1,067

1,305

1,127

33 Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Cost or valuation at 1 January 2001
Additions
Disposals 
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2001
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

Net book value
At 31 December 2001

At 31 December 2000

Freehold

Long
leasehold

o m

o m

Property
Leasehold
under 50
years
o m

Equipment

Total

o m

o m

286
16
(6)
–

296

11
7
–
–

18

278

275

116
4
(1)
–

119

5
3
–
–

8

111

111

45
8
–
–

53

22
3
–
–

25

28

23

518
75
(5)
1

589

396
51
(4)
1

444

145

122

965
103
(12)
1

1,057

434
64
(4)
1

495

562

531

The net book value of property occupied by the Group for its own activities was o 799m (2000: o 751m).

The Group’s freehold and long leasehold property was valued by external valuers, DTZ Sherry FitzGerald international property
advisers, as at 31 December 1998. Properties held as investment, for development, and surplus to requirements were valued on 
the basis of Open Market Value. Owner occupied properties were valued on the basis of Existing Use Value, with a Depreciated
Replacement Cost valuation of adaptation works not reflected in the Existing Use Value. Both bases are in accordance with the
Appraisal and Valuation Manual issued by the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS).The external valuers have provided an 
additional valuation for a number of Group properties on the basis of Open Market Value for an alternative use, which, if 
recorded, would have resulted in a valuation of o 27m greater than the Existing Use Value provided.The Directors have 
adopted the transitional provisions of FRS 15 and therefore the valuation has not been updated.

The valuation exercise gave rise to a property revaluation surplus of o 141m of which o 128m arose in the parent company.

34 Own shares
Allfirst Financial, Inc. sponsors the Allfirst Stock Option Plans, for the benefit of key employees of Allfirst. Allfirst has lent US$ 201m
(2000: US$ 151m) to a trust to enable it to purchase AIB ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares in the open
market.The shares purchased are used to satisfy options which have been granted to Allfirst employees. Proceeds of option exercises
are used to repay the loan to the trust. Under the terms of the trust, the trustees receive dividends on the shares which are used to
meet the expenses of the trust. Allfirst will provide funds as necessary to cover expenses net of dividend revenue. At 31 December
2001, 18.1 million ordinary shares (2000: 13.5 million) were held by the trust with a cost of o 228m (2000: o 162m) and a market
value of o 238m (2000: o 170m).

In 1999, the Group sponsored a Save As You Earn Share Option Scheme, the AIB Group 1999 Sharesave Scheme for eligible
employees in the UK. In 2001 a similar scheme was set up for employees in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.The trustees of 
the scheme have borrowed funds from Group companies, interest free, to enable them to purchase Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. ordinary
shares in the open market.These shares are used to satisfy commitments arising under the scheme.The trustees receive dividends 
on the shares which are used to meet the expenses of the scheme.The cost of providing these shares is charged to the profit and loss
account on a systematic basis over the period that the employees are expected to benefit. At 31 December 2001, 1.5 million shares
(2000: 1.4 million) were held by the trustees with a book value of o 15m (2000: o 15m) and a market value of o 19m (2000: o 17m).

7979

Notes to the accounts

34 Own shares (continued)

In 2001, the AIB Group Employee Share Trust was established to satisfy commitments arising under the AIB Group Long-Term
Incentive Plan (LTIP). Funds are provided to the trustees to enable them to purchase Allied Irish Bank p.l.c. ordinary shares in the market.
The cost of meeting the commitments under the LTIP are charged to the profit and loss account over the period that the employees are
expected to benefit.The trustees have waived their entitlement to dividends.At 31 December 2001, 0.2m shares (2000: nil) were held by 
the trustees with a book value of f 1.5m and a market value of f 2.6m.

In accordance with the requirements of UITF Abstract 13 the shares held by the above employee share schemes have been
recognised on the balance sheet of the Group and the dividend income received by the schemes of o 5.8m (2000: o 3.4m; 1999:
m 2.0m) has been excluded in arriving at profit before taxation.

In accordance with FRS 14 - Earnings per Share, the shares held by the Trusts are excluded from the earnings per share
calculation.The accounting treatment is not intended to affect the legal characterisation of the transaction or to change the 
situation at law achieved by the parties to it.Thus, the inclusion of the shares on the Group balance sheet does not imply that 
they have been purchased by the company as a matter of law.

35 Long-term assurance business
The assets and liabilities of Ark Life Assurance Company Limited (‘Ark Life’) representing the value of the assurance business 
together with the policyholders’ funds are:

Investments:

Cash and short-term placings with banks
Debt securities
Equity shares

Property

Value of investment in business 

Other assets – net

Long-term assurance liabilities to policyholders

Long-term assurance business attributable to shareholders

Represented by:
Shares at cost
Reserves

Profit and loss account

2001
o m

1,019
256
1,034

43

2,352
190

26

2,568

(2,264)

304

19
281

4

304

2000
o m

954
179
974

43

2,150
138

91

2,379

(2,141)

238

19
218

1

238

The increase in the value to the Group of Ark Life’s long-term assurance and pensions business in force credited to the profit and loss
account and included in other operating income amounted to o 84m after grossing-up for taxation (2000: o 95m; 1999: o 64m).

8080

36 Deposits by banks

Federal funds purchased
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
Other borrowings from banks

Of which:
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

With agreed maturity dates or periods of notice,

by remaining maturity:
Over 5 years
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less but not repayable on demand

Repayable on demand

2001
o m

546
1,742
10,935
13,223

7,899
5,324
13,223

428
289
2,781
8,871
12,369
854

Group
2000
o m

544
1,484
10,450
12,478

7,396
5,082
12,478

429
260
792
9,806
11,287
1,191

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

–
1,631
20,227
21,858

–
1,165
19,226
20,391

302
33
2,696
8,456
11,487
264

299
65
694
9,310
10,368
516

10,884

9,507

Due to subsidiary undertakings

10,107

13,223

12,478

11,751

Federal funds generally represent one-day transactions, a large portion of which arise because of Allfirst’s market activity in federal
funds for correspondent banks and other customers.

21,858

20,391

8181

Notes to the accounts

37 Customer accounts

Current accounts
Demand deposits
Time deposits

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings

Of which:
Non-interest bearing current accounts

Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Interest bearing deposits, current accounts and 

short-term borrowings
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Analysed by remaining maturity:

Over 5 years
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less but not repayable on demand

Repayable on demand

Due to subsidiary undertakings

Amounts include:
Due to associated undertakings

2001
o m

16,300
11,165
22,896
50,361

726
3,470
4,196

Group
2000
o m

12,701
10,297
21,094
44,092

889
3,456
4,345

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

7,603
4,330
9,321
21,254

–
3,081
3,081

6,008
4,141
7,886
18,035

62
3,202
3,264

54,557

48,437

24,335

21,299

5,857
6,140

4,655
4,515

18,074
24,486

54,557

654
2,688
3,150
19,743
26,235

16,552
22,715

48,437

601
2,005
3,679
19,161
25,446

110
921
707
10,275
12,013

28,322

22,991

11,933

54,557

48,437

23,946

389

170
439
872
9,238
10,719

10,206

20,925

374

24,335

21,299

2

2

2

2

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by Irish Government stock, US Treasury and US Government agency
securities and mature within three months.

The aggregate market value of all securities sold under agreements to repurchase did not exceed 10% of total assets and the
amount at risk with any individual counterparty or group of related counterparties did not exceed 10% of total stockholders’ equity.

8282

38 Debt securities in issue

Bonds and medium term notes:
European medium term note programme
Allfirst adjustable rate federal home loan bank advances:

due 23 August, 2011

Other debt securities in issue:
Master demand notes of Allfirst
Commercial paper
Commercial certificates of deposit

Analysed by remaining maturity 
Bonds and medium term notes:

Over 5 years
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less 

Other debt securities in issue:

Over 5 years 
5 years or less but over 1 year
1 year or less but over 3 months
3 months or less

39 Other liabilities

Notes in circulation
Taxation
Dividend (note 19)
Provision for future commitments in relation to the funding of Icarom(1)
Short positions in securities
Other

2001
o m

84

227
311

301
133
4,288
4,722

5,033

233
–
72
6
311

–
89
2,176
2,457
4,722

5,033

2001
o m

441
–
250
91
205
2,285

3,272

Group
2000
o m

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

114

215
329

323
338
3,305
3,966

4,295

–
114
215
–
329

–
200
2,136
1,630
3,966

4,295

Group
2000
o m

386
121
221
94
379
1,878

3,079

84

–
84

–
–
1,809
1,809

1,893

6
–
72
6
84

–
15
421
1,373
1,809

1,893

114

–
114

–
–
278
278

392

–
114
–
–
114

–
44
234
–
278

392

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

–
65
250
91
31
363

800

–
69
221
94
53
406

843

(1)The provision represents the present value of the cost of the future commitments arising under the 1992 agreement in relation 
to the funding of Icarom. A discount rate of 6.35% was applied in the year ended 31 December 1993, in discounting the cost 
of the future commitments arising under this agreement.The undiscounted amount was o 123m (2000: o 134m).

8383

Notes to the accounts

40 Provisions for liabilities and charges

Group
At 1 January 2001
Exchange translation adjustments
Profit and loss account charge
Provisions utilised 

At 31 December 2001

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
At 1 January 2001
Profit and loss account charge
Provisions utilised

At 31 December 2001

Contingent
liabilities 
and
commitments
o m

Other

Total

o m

o m

16
1
19
(4)

32

4
18
–

22

27
1
19
(8)

39

6
1
(1)

6

43
2
38
(12)

71

10
19
(1)

28

41 Deferred taxation

Deferred taxation liabilities and (assets) in the accounts amount to:
Short-term timing differences
Capital allowances on:

Assets leased to customers
Assets used in the business

Timing differences on provisions for future commitments in 

relation to the funding of Icarom plc (under Administration)

2001

o m

Group
2000
Restated
o m

(252)

(109)

541
22

(11)

300

465
19

(11)

364

2001

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
Restated
o m

o m

(42)

–
(2)

(11)

(55)

(36)

–
(3)

(11)

(50)

Due to the availability of roll-over relief and the expectation that the greater portion of land and buildings will be retained 
by the Group, no provision is made for taxation which might arise on disposal of properties at their revalued amounts.

2001

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
Restated
o m

o m

(50)
(5)
–
–

(55)

(55)
(4)
–
9

(50)

Analysis of movements in deferred taxation

At 1 January
Exchange translation and other adjustments
Acquisition of Group undertakings
Profit and loss account taxation (credit)/charge

At 31 December

2001

o m

364
2
–
(66)

300

Group
2000
Restated
o m

249
(2)
(8)
125

364

8484

42 Subordinated liabilities

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Undated loan capital
Dated loan capital

Allfirst Financial Inc.
Dated loan capital
Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.
Dated loan capital

Undated loan capital
US $100m Floating Rate Notes, Undated
US $100m Floating Rate Primary Capital Perpetual Notes, Undated
1 200m Fixed Rate Perpetual Subordinated Notes

Dated loan capital
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
European Medium Term Note Programme:

US $130m Floating Rate Notes due September 2006
US $150m Floating Rate Notes due October 2006
US $250m Floating Rate Notes due January 2010
s 45.1m Floating Rate Notes due February 2007 
s 37.6m 7.25% Fixed Rate Notes due October 2007
s 32.2m 6.7% Fixed Rate Notes due August 2009
Stg £35m 8% Fixed Rate Notes due October 2007
1 250m Floating Rate Notes due January 2010
1 100m Floating Rate Notes due August 2010

Allfirst Financial Inc.
US $100m 8.375% Fixed Rate Subordinated 

Notes due May 2002 

US $200m 7.2% Fixed Rate Subordinated 

Notes due July 2007 

US $100m 6.875% Fixed Rate Subordinated 

Notes due June 2009

US $150m Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Income

Securities due January 2027

US $150m Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Income

Securities due February 2027 

Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.
PLN 10m Fixed Rate Loan due July 2002

The dated loan capital outstanding is repayable as follows:

In one year or less, or on demand
Between 1 and 2 years
Between 2 and 5 years
In 5 years or more

2001
o m

426
804
1,230

787

3

2000
o m

413
1,088
1,501

745

3

2,020

2,249

113
114
199

426

–
–
283
45
38
32
57
249
100
804

113

226

113

167

168
787

3

107
108
198

413

140
161
268
45
38
32
56
248
100
1,088

107

214

106

159

159
745

3

1,594

1,836

161
–
–
1,433

1,594

–
110
–
1,726

1,836

The loan capital of the Bank is unsecured and is subordinated in right of payment to the ordinary creditors, including depositors,
of the Bank.

8585

Notes to the accounts

42 Subordinated liabilities (continued)

The US$ Undated Floating Rate Loan capital notes have no final maturity but may be redeemed at par at the option of the
Bank, after the approval of the Central Bank of Ireland, in or after November 1990 and July 1998, respectively. Interest is payable
semi-annually on the US$ 100m Undated Floating Rate Notes and quarterly on the US$ 100m Floating Rate Primary Capital
Perpetual Notes.The m 200m Fixed Rate Perpetual Subordinated Notes, with interest payable annually, have no final maturity 
but may be redeemed at the option of the Bank, after the approval of the Central Bank of Ireland, on each coupon payment date 
on or after 3 August 2009.

The European Medium Term Note Programme is subordinated in right of payment to the ordinary creditors, including

depositors, of the Bank.The US$ 250m Floating Rate Notes, with interest payable quarterly, may be redeemed, in whole but not in
part, on any interest payment date falling in or after January 2005.The m 45.1m Floating Rate Notes will be redeemed in February
2002.The m 37.6m Fixed Rate Notes and the Stg £35m Fixed Rate Notes, with interest payable semi-annually, are redeemable, in
whole but not in part, on 1 October 2002 and 31 October 2002, respectively.The m 32.2m Fixed Rate Notes, with interest payable
annually, may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, on 20 August 2004.The d 250m Floating Rate Notes, with interest payable
quarterly, may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, in or after January 2005.The d 100m Floating Rate Notes, with interest
payable quarterly, may be redeemed, in whole but not in part, on the interest payment date falling in August 2005. In all cases,
redemption prior to maturity is subject to the necessary prior approval of the Central Bank of Ireland.

The 8.375% and 7.2% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes and the Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Income Securities of Allfirst
are subordinated in right of payment to the ordinary creditors of Allfirst.The 8.375% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes, with interest
payable semi-annually, are not redeemable prior to maturity.The 7.2% Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes, with interest payable semi-
annually, may not be redeemed prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund.The 6.875% Fixed Rate Subordinated
Notes mature on 1 June 2009, with interest payable semi-annually and are not redeemable prior to maturity.The US$ 150m Floating
Rate Subordinated Capital Income Securities due January 2027, with interest payable quarterly, are redeemable in whole or in part
on or after 15 January 2007, or at any time, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of a special event.The US$ 150m
Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Income Securities due February 2027, with interest payable quarterly, are redeemable in whole or
in part on or after 1 February 2007, or at any time, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of a special event. In either case
such redemption is subject to the necessary prior approval of the Federal Reserve and the Central Bank of Ireland.

There is no exchange exposure as the proceeds of these notes are retained in their respective currencies.

43 Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries

Equity interest in subsidiaries
Non-equity interest in subsidiaries:

Allfirst Financial, Inc.:

Cumulative preferred stock(1)
Floating rate non-cumulative subordinated
capital trust enhanced securities(2)

2001
o m

191

10

111
121

312

2000
o m

158

9

105
114

272

(1)Allfirst issued 90,000 cumulative preference shares of US$ 5 par value each on 28 June 1997.These shares have a liquidation
preference of US$ 100 each and the holders are subject to dividend entitlements at a rate of 4.5% per annum on the liquidation
preference amount.The preference shares are redeemable at the option of the issuer and the holder during the period commencing 
1 July 2002 and ending on 30 June 2003 and are subordinated in right of payment to the ordinary creditors of Allfirst.

(2)Allfirst issued 100,000 floating rate non-cumulative subordinated capital trust enhanced securities through a subsidiary on 
13 July 1999.The distribution rate on the securities is three month LIBOR plus 1.5% of the stated liquidation amount of 
US$ 1,000 per security, reset quarterly.

8686

44 Share capital

Ordinary share capital
Ordinary shares of o 0.32 each

Authorised:

1,160 million shares (2000: 1,160 million)

Issued:

887 million shares (2000: 879 million)

Preference share capital

Non-cumulative preference shares of US $25 each

Authorised:

20.0 million shares (2000: 20.0 million)

Issued:

0.25 million shares (2000: 0.25 million)

Non-cumulative preference shares of o 1.27 each

Authorised:

200.0 million shares (2000: 200.0 million)

Issued:

Nil

Non-cumulative preference shares of Stg £1 each

Authorised:

200.0 million shares (2000: 200.0 million)

Issued:

Nil

Non-cumulative preference shares of Yen 175 each

Authorised:

200.0 million shares (2000: 200.0 million)

Issued:

Nil

Movements in ordinary share capital

At 1 January

Other – see below

At 31 December

2001
o m

2000
o m

284

281

7

–

–

–

291

2001
o m

281

3

284

7

–

–

–

288

2000
o m

277

4

281

During the year ended 31 December 2001 the issued ordinary share capital was increased from 879,207,610 to 886,690,015 ordinary

shares as follows:
(a) under the dividend reinvestment plan 1,920,148 shares were allotted to shareholders, at o 11.76 per share, in respect of the 

final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2000.These allotments were made in lieu of dividends amounting to o 22.6m;
(b) by the issue of 1,625,197 shares to the trustees of the employees’ profit sharing schemes at o 11.58 per share; the consideration

received for these shares was o 18.8m;

(c) by the issue of 3,482,228 shares to participants in the share option scheme at prices of o 3.32, o 3.36, o 3.38, o 4.19,

o 5.80, o 6.25 and o 11.90 per share; the consideration received for these shares was o 14.3m;

(d) by the issue of 454,832 shares to holders of Dauphin Deposit Corporation (now ‘Allfirst’) stock options, which were converted,

on the acquisition of Dauphin, into options to purchase AIB American Depositary Shares.The consideration received for these
shares was o 3.9m.

Dividend reinvestment plan

At the 1999 Annual General Meeting, the directors were given authority for a five year period to offer shareholders the right to elect

to receive additional ordinary shares in lieu of cash dividends.The price at which such shares are offered is the average of the middle

market quotations of the Bank’s shares on the Irish Stock Exchange for the five business days commencing on the first date on which

the shares are quoted ‘ex-dividend’.

8787

Notes to the accounts

44 Share capital (continued)

Employee share schemes
The Company operates employee profit sharing schemes on terms approved by the shareholders. All employees, including executive
directors, of the Company and certain subsidiaries are eligible to participate, subject to a minimum of one year’s continuous service 
at the end of the relevant financial period and subject also to their being in employment on the date on which the invitation to
participate is issued. Under the schemes, the directors at their discretion may set aside each year, for allocation to the trustees of the
Republic of Ireland Scheme, a sum not exceeding 5% of eligible profits of participating companies in the Republic of Ireland and,
in the case of the UK Scheme, 4% of such profits in the UK. Employees may elect to receive their profit sharing allocations either 
in shares or in cash. Such shares are held by the Trustees for a minimum period of two years and are required to be held for a total
period of three years for the employee to obtain the maximum tax benefit.

Employees in the Republic of Ireland may elect to forego an amount of salary, subject to certain limitations, towards the

acquisition of additional shares.The maximum market value of shares that may be appropriated to any employee in a year 
may not exceed k 12,697 in the Republic of Ireland and Stg£ 8,000 in the UK.

A Save As You Earn share option scheme is operated for eligible employees in the UK. Under that Scheme employees may 

opt to save fixed amounts on a regular basis, over a three-year period, subject to a maximum monthly saving of Stg £250 per
employee, and to utilise amounts so saved in the acquisition of market-purchased shares in the Company.

Share option scheme
The Company operates a share option scheme on terms approved by the shareholders. Officials may participate in the scheme at the
discretion of the directors. Options are granted at the market price, being the middle market quotation of the Bank’s shares on the
Irish Stock Exchange on the date on which the option is granted.The exercise of options granted between 1 January 1996 and 
31 December 2000 is conditional on the achievement of earnings per share (‘EPS’) growth of at least 2% per annum, compound,
above the increase in the Consumer Price Index (‘CPI’) over a period of not less than three and not more than five years from date
of grant.The exercise of options granted since 1 January 2001 is conditional on the achievement of EPS growth of at least 5% per
annum, compound, above the increase in the CPI over a period of not less than three and not more than five years from date of
grant. Options may not be transferred or assigned and may be exercised only between the third and seventh anniversaries of their
grant in the case of the options granted up to 31 December 2000, and between the third and tenth anniversaries of grant date in 
the case of options granted subsequent to that date. At 31 December 2001, options were held by some 3,085 participants over
29,808,629 ordinary shares in aggregate (3.4% of the issued ordinary share capital), at prices ranging from o 3.38 to o 15.46 per
share; these options may be exercised at various dates up to 4 September 2011.

Allfirst Financial, Inc. stock option plan
Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company, First Maryland Bancorp (now ‘Allfirst’) and Dauphin
Deposit Corporation (‘Dauphin’, now ‘Allfirst’), approved by shareholders at the 1997 Annual General Meeting, options to purchase
Dauphin shares which were outstanding immediately prior to the merger were converted, at the holders’ elections, into either cash or
options to purchase a similar number of AIB American Depositary Shares. At 31 December 2001, options so converted were
outstanding over 813,342 ordinary shares.

AIB Long Term Incentive Plan

Under the terms of the AIB Long Term Incentive Plan, approved by shareholders at the 2000 Annual General Meeting, conditional 

grants of awards of ordinary shares were made during 2001 in respect of 813,900 ordinary shares, in aggregate, to 206 employees.

These awards will not vest in the award holders unless (a) the growth in the Company’s EPS, as defined in the Rules of the Plan,

in any three consecutive years within the five years following the grant is not less than the growth in the CPI plus 5% per annum,

compound, over the same three year period; and (b) the growth in the Company’s core EPS, as defined in the Rules of the Plan,

over the three year period during which the criterion at (a) is satisfied, is such as to position the Company in the top 20% of the

FTSE Eurotop Banks Retail Index. Partial vesting, on a reducing scale, will occur if the growth in the Company’s EPS, being 

below that level, is such as to position the Company in the top 45% of that Index.Vested shares must be held until normal 

retirement date, except that award holders may dispose of shares sufficient to meet the income tax liability arising on vesting.

8888

44 Share capital (continued)

Limitations on profit sharing and share option schemes

Under the terms of the employees’ profit sharing schemes, the aggregate number of shares that may be purchased/held by the

Trustees in any ten year period may not exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital.The aggregate number of shares issued

under the share option scheme may not exceed 5% of the issued ordinary share capital.The Company complies with guidelines

issued by the Irish Association of Investment Managers in relation to those Schemes.

Preference share capital
In 1998, 250,000 non-cumulative preference shares of US $25 each were issued at a price of US $995.16 per share raising 
US $248.8m before expenses.The holders of the non-cumulative preference shares are entitled to a non-cumulative preferential
dividend, payable quarterly in arrears, at a floating rate equal to 3 month dollar LIBOR plus 0.875% on the liquidation preference
amount of US $1,000.The preference shares are redeemable at the option of the Bank, and with the agreement of the Central Bank
of Ireland, on or after 15 July 2008 (i) in whole or in part or (ii) prior to that date in certain circumstances in whole, but not in part.
In each case, the preference shares will be redeemed at a price equal to US $1,000 per share (consisting of a redemption price of 
US $995.16 plus a special dividend of US $4.84 per share), plus accrued dividends.

45 Share premium account

At 1 January 2001
Premium arising on shares issued under:
Employees’ profit sharing schemes
Executive share option scheme
Allfirst Financial, Inc. stock option plan

Profit and loss account
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

46 Reserves

At 1 January 2001
Capital reserves
Revaluation reserves

Transfer from profit and loss account:

Non-distributable reserves of Ark Life

Issue of Reserve capital instruments
Exchange translation and other adjustments

At 31 December 2001

At 31 December 2001
Capital reserves
Reserve capital instruments
Revaluation reserves

Group

o m

1,877

Allied Irish 
Banks, p.l.c.
o m

1,877

18
13
4
(1)
15

18
13
4
(1)
15

1,926

1,926

Group

o m

Allied Irish 
Banks, p.l.c.
o m

253
148

401

63
496
(1)

959

315
496
148

959

–
132

132

–
496
–

628

–
496
132

628

8989

Notes to the accounts

46 Reserves (continued)

Reserve capital instruments
In February 2001, Reserve capital instruments (RCIs) of o 500m were issued by Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. at an issue price of 
100.069%.The RCIs are perpetual securities and have no maturity date.The RCIs are redeemable in whole but not in part at 
the option of the Bank and with the agreement of the Central Bank of Ireland (i) upon the occurence of certain events, or (ii) 
on or after 28 February 2011, an authorised officer having reported to the Trustees within the previous six months that a solvency
condition is met.

The RCIs bear interest at a rate of 7.50% per annum from (and including) 5 February 2001 to (but excluding) 28 February 2011 

and thereafter at 3.33% per annum above three month EURIBOR, reset quarterly.

The rights and claims of the RCI holders and the coupon holders are subordinated to the claims of the senior creditors and the 
senior subordinated creditors of the issuer. In the event of a winding up of the issuer, the RCI holders will rank pari passu with the 
holders of the classes of preference shares (if any) from time to time issued by the issuer and in priority to all other shareholders.

47 Profit and loss account

At 1 January 2001 as previously reported:
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and subsidiaries
Associated undertakings

Prior year adjustment

At 1 January 2001 as restated
Profit retained for the year
Dividend reinvestment plan
Actuarial loss recognised in retirement benefit schemes (note 13)
Share premium account
Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December 2001

At 31 December 2001
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and subsidiaries
Associated undertakings

Group

o m

Allied Irish 
Banks, p.l.c.
o m

879
–

879
593

1,472
3
22
(277)
1
84

1,305

1,990
4

1,994
648

2,642
41
22
(402)
1
146

2,450

2,446
4

2,450

The cumulative goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiary and associated undertakings which are still part of the Group, and
charged against profit and loss account reserves of the Group, amounted to o 1,754m at 31 December 2001 (2000: o 1,670m).

Included within the profit and loss account reserve for the Group at 31 December 2001 is o 255m (Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.:

o 344m) relating to the pension asset (note 13).

48 Repurchase of ordinary shares
In September 1997, a subsidiary undertaking purchased 5.6 million ordinary shares of o 0.32 each of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
on the open market at a price of o 7.30 per share.The purchase was undertaken at foot of a resolution approved by shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting held on 21 May 1997. In accordance with the Companies Act, 1990 the cost of the purchase of 
these shares, o 42m including related expenses of o 0.8m, has been deducted from distributable reserves.The issued ordinary 
share capital of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. continues to include these shares (nominal value o 1.8m) as they have not been cancelled.
The shares do not rank for dividend as the related dividend entitlements have been waived.The weighted average number 
of shares in the earnings per share calculation has been reduced to reflect the purchase of these shares.

9090

49 Memorandum items: contingent liabilities and commitments
In the normal course of business the Group is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing 
needs of customers.

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk which are not reflected in the consolidated balance 
sheet. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because the other party to a financial instrument fails to perform 
in accordance with the terms of the contract.

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit loss under contingent liabilities and commitments to extend credit, in the event of
non-performance by the other party where all counterclaims, collateral or security prove valueless, is represented by the contractual
amounts of those instruments.

The risk weighted amount is obtained by applying credit conversion factors and counterparty risk weightings in accordance 

with the Central Bank of Ireland’s guidelines implementing the EC Own Funds and Solvency Ratio Directives.

The Group uses the same credit control and risk management policies in undertaking off-balance sheet commitments as it does

for on balance sheet lending.

The following tables give, for the Group and Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., the nominal or contract amounts and the risk weighted

credit equivalent of contingent liabilities and commitments.

Group
Contingent liabilities
Acceptances and endorsements
Guarantees and assets pledged as collateral security:
Guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit
Assets pledged as collateral security

Other contingent liabilities

Commitments
Sale and option to resell transactions
Other commitments:

Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions
Forward asset purchases and forward deposits placed
Undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other

commitments to lend:
1 year and over
Less than 1 year (1)

Contract
amount

o m

2001
Risk
weighted
amount
o m

Contract
amount

o m

2000
Risk
weighted
amount
o m

142

109

147

137

5,222
23
5,245
1,125

6,512

402

235
5
100

8,905
9,352
18,597

18,999

25,511

4,852
2
4,854
570

5,533

402

76
2
12

4,308
–
4,398

4,800

10,333

3,995
32
4,027
1,089

5,263

257

179
83
36

7,532
8,025
15,855

16,112

21,375

3,554
3
3,557
546

4,240

257

42
82
9

3,615
–
3,748

4,005

8,245

(1)Undrawn loan commitments which are unconditionally cancellable at any time or which have a maturity of less than one year have
a risk weighting of zero.

9191

Notes to the accounts

49 Memorandum items: contingent liabilities
and commitments (continued)

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Contingent liabilities
Acceptances and endorsements
Guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit
Other contingent liabilities

Commitments
Other commitments:

Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions
Undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other 

commitments to lend:
1 year and over
Less than 1 year(1)

Contract
amount

o m

2001
Risk
weighted
amount
o m

Contract
amount

o m

2000
Risk
weighted
amount
o m

96
3,266
549

3,911

68
76

4,245
3,345
7,734

11,645

96
3,151
275

3,522

14
–

2,082
–
2,096

5,618

130
2,428
515

3,073

88
20

3,527
3,246
6,881

9,954

130
2,359
257

2,746

18
1

1,673
–
1,692

4,438

(1)Undrawn loan commitments which are unconditionally cancellable at any time or which have a maturity of less than one year have
a risk weighting of zero.

There exists a contingent liability to repay in whole or in part grants received on equipment leased to customers if certain events set
out in the agreements occur.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. has given guarantees in respect of the liabilities of certain of its subsidiaries and has also given guarantees

for the satisfaction of the relevant regulatory authorities for the protection of the depositors of certain of its banking subsidiaries in
the various jurisdictions in which such subsidiaries operate.

Class action
On 6 March 2002 AIB was informed of the filing of a class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York against AIB, Allfirst and serving and past officers of Allfirst, seeking remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of
the United States relating to alleged misrepresentations in filings of AIB and Allfirst.The matter is at an extremely preliminary stage.
Accordingly, it is not practicable to predict the outcome of the action and any financial impact on AIB but on the basis of the
Complaint (which appears to be based largely on newspaper articles) the Directors have been advised that the action appears to be
without merit.

9292

50 Derivatives

The Group’s objectives, policies and strategies in managing the risks that arise in connection with the use of financial instruments,

including derivative financial instruments, are set out on pages 24 to 36 of the Financial review.

The Group uses derivatives to service customer requirements, to manage the Group’s interest, exchange rate and equity exposures

and for trading purposes. Derivative instruments are contractual agreements whose value is derived from price movements in underlying

assets, interest rates, foreign exchange rates or indices.

These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and credit risk which are not reflected in the consolidated

balance sheet. Market risk is the exposure to potential loss through holding interest rate, exchange rate and equity positions in the

face of absolute and relative price movements, interest rate volatility, movements in exchange rates and shifts in liquidity. Credit risk 

is the exposure to loss should the counterparty to a financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract.

While notional principal amounts are used to express the volume of derivative transactions, the amounts subject to credit risk 

are much lower because derivative contracts typically involve payments based on the net differences between specified prices or rates.

Credit risk arises to the extent that the default of a counterparty to the derivative transaction exposes the Group to the need to

replace existing contracts at prices that are less favourable than when the contract was entered into.The potential loss to the Group 

is known as gross replacement cost. For risk management purposes, consideration is taken of the fact that not all counterparties to

derivative positions are expected to default at the point where the Group is most exposed to them.

For derivatives, credit risk is calculated as the positive mark to market value for each contract plus an estimate of the additional

credit risk that may arise over the contract’s remaining life from an adverse movement in the value of the underlying asset or index.

Any breach of credit risk limits on derivative contracts is reported to line management and reviewed by the appropriate credit

authority.The counterparty credit exposure on derivatives is amalgamated with all other exposures to the counterparty to provide 

a comprehensive statement of individual counterparty risk.

The following tables present the notional principal amount and the gross replacement cost of interest rate, exchange rate and

equity contracts at 31 December 2001 and 2000.

Interest rate contracts(1)

Notional principal amount

Gross replacement cost

Exchange rate contracts(1)

Notional principal amount

Gross replacement cost

Equity contracts(1)

Notional principal amount

Gross replacement cost

2001
o m

Group
2000
o m

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
2000
o m

2001
o m

116,151

130,945

111,135

126,502

1,432

875

1,335

o m

o m

o m

836

o m

26,505

26,877

18,988

20,528

280

901

272

499

o m

2,893

195

o m

2,938

297

o m

2,893

195

o m

2,938

297

(1)Interest rate, exchange rate and equity contracts have been entered into for both hedging and trading purposes.

The Group uses the same credit control and risk management policies in undertaking all off-balance sheet commitments as it does

for on balance sheet lending including counterparty credit approval, limit setting and monitoring procedures. In addition, in relation

to derivative instruments, the Group’s exposure to market risk is controlled within the risk limits in the Group’s Interest Rate Risk

and Foreign Exchange Risk Policies and is further constrained by the risk parameters incorporated in the Group’s Derivatives Policy

as approved by the Board.

9393

Notes to the accounts

50 Derivatives (continued)

Trading activities

AIB Group maintains trading positions in a variety of financial instruments including derivatives.These financial instruments include

foreign exchange, interest rate and equity futures, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and floors, forward rate agreements, and interest

rate, foreign exchange and equity index options. Most of these positions arise as a result of activity generated by corporate customers

while others represent trading decisions of the Group’s derivative and foreign exchange traders with a view to generating incremental

income.The managers and traders involved in financial derivatives have the technical expertise to trade these products and the active

involvement of the traders in these markets allows the Group to offer competitive pricing to customers.

All trading activity is conducted within risk limits approved by the Board. Systems are in place which measure risks and profitability

associated with derivative trading positions as market movements occur. Independent risk control units monitor these risks.

Nature and terms of trading instruments
The following table presents the notional amounts and fair values of the classes of derivative trading instruments at 
31 December 2001 and 2000.

Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swaps

In a receivable position
In a payable position

Interest rate caps, floors and options

Held
Written

Forward rate agreements

In a favourable position
In an unfavourable position

Financial futures

In a favourable position
In an unfavourable position

Other interest rate derivatives

Exchange rate contracts:
Currency options
Forward FX contracts
Currency swaps

Equity derivatives

Notional
amounts(1)
o m

2001
Fair
values
o m

Notional
amounts(1)
o m

2000
Fair
values
o m

34,817

21,525

538
(444)

20
(21)

5
(6)

22
(19)
–

(460)
4
–
1

5,364

8,449

1,880

53

4,714
16,300
66
40

195
(180)

6
(6)

10
(10)

1
(2)
–

259
(38)
–
–

5,293

5,092

776

37

2,391
16,375
–
23

(1)The notional amounts shown for the contracts represent the underlying amounts that the instruments are based upon and do not
represent the amounts exchanged by the parties to the instruments. In addition, these amounts do not measure the Group’s exposure
to credit or market risks.

9494

50 Derivatives (continued)

Details of debt securities held for trading purposes are outlined in note 28 to the financial statements.

The Group’s credit exposure at 31 December 2001 and 2000 from derivatives held for trading purposes is represented by the fair

value of instruments with a positive fair value.The risk that counterparties to derivative contracts might default on their obligations 

is monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of credit risk is minimised by dealing with counterparties of good credit standing.

All trading instruments are subject to market risk. As the traded instruments are recognised at market value, these changes directly

affect reported income for the period. Exposure to market risk is managed in accordance with risk limits approved by the Board

through buying or selling instruments or entering into offsetting positions.

The Group undertakes trading activities in interest rate contracts with the Group being a party to interest rate swap, forward,

futures, option, cap and floor contracts.The Group’s largest activity is in interest rate swaps.The two parties to an interest rate swap

agree to exchange, at agreed intervals, payment streams calculated on a specified notional principal amount. Forward rate agreements

are also used by the Group in its trading activities. Forward rate agreements settle in cash at a specified future date based on the

difference between agreed market rates applied to a notional principal amount. Most of these contracts have maturity terms up 

to one year.

Dealing profits
The following table summarises the Group’s dealing profits (before exceptional losses) by category of instrument.

Foreign exchange contracts
Profits less losses from securities held for trading purposes
Interest rate contracts

Total

Risk management activities

2001
o m

75
2
15

92

2000
o m

69
42
(8)

103

1999
o m

30
28
16

74

In addition to meeting customer needs, the Group’s principal objective in holding or issuing derivatives for purposes other than

trading is the management of interest rate and foreign exchange rate and equity risks.

The operations of the Group are exposed to interest rate risk arising from the fact that assets and liabilities mature or reprice 

at different times or in differing amounts. Derivatives are used to modify the repricing or maturity characteristics of assets and

liabilities in a cost-efficient manner.This flexibility helps the Group to achieve liquidity and risk management objectives. Similarly,

foreign exchange and equity derivatives are used to hedge the nature of the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange and equity risk,

as required.

Derivatives fluctuate in value as interest rates rise or fall just as on balance sheet assets and liabilities fluctuate in value. If the

derivatives are purchased or sold as hedges of balance sheet items, the appreciation or depreciation of the derivatives, as interest rates

change, will generally be offset by the unrealised depreciation or appreciation of the hedged items.This means that separate disclosure

of market risk on derivatives used for hedging purposes is not meaningful.

To achieve its risk management objective, the Group uses a combination of derivative financial instruments, particularly interest

rate swaps, futures and options, as well as other contracts.The tables on pages 96 and 97 present the notional and fair value amounts,

weighted average maturity and weighted average receive and pay rates for instruments held for risk management purposes entered

into by the Group at 31 December 2001 and 2000.

9595

Notes to the accounts

50 Derivatives (continued)

Interest rate swaps:

Receive fixed

1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

Pay fixed
1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

Pay/receive floating

1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

Forward rate agreements:

Loans

1 year or less
1 - 5 years

Deposits
1 year or less
1 - 5 years

Interest rate options:

Purchased
1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

Written
1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

Notional amount
2001
2000
o m
o m

9,216
18,023
2,574

14,692
12,263
1,647

29,813

28,602

7,991
15,784
1,823

7,458
12,115
2,432

25,598

22,005

–
99
15

114

11
13
–

24

1,582
–

1,763
424

1,582

2,187

2,807
740

2,385
140

3,547

2,525

1,491
818
27

9,012
2,660
25

2,336

11,697

303
756
–

2,399
1,022
56

1,059

3,477

9696

Weighted
average
maturity
in years

Weighted average rate
Pay

Receive

2001

2000

2001
%

2000
%

2001
%

2000
%

Estimated fair value
2000
o m

2001
o m

0.48
2.25
7.43

2.15

0.58
2.22
9.27

2.21

–
2.00
9.33

2.96

0.44
–

0.44

0.52
1.33

0.69

0.67
2.02
8.00

1.23

0.66
1.90
–

1.54

0.42
2.37
7.30

1.65

0.39
2.45
8.36

2.40

0.26
2.18
–

1.33

0.72
1.32

0.84

0.70
1.40

0.74

0.40
2.06
9.10

0.80

0.24
2.35
5.16

0.94

4.78
5.14
6.05

5.31
5.51
4.95

5.11

5.37

3.95

5.39

4.82
5.16
5.78

5.49
5.66
6.12

3.54

5.61

5.10

5.66

–
2.46
4.43

7.77
6.56
–

2.72

7.09

3.26

6.72

4.50
5.46

5.64
6.96

4.70

5.72

4.57
–

4.57

6.12
7.01

6.29

4.19
3.56
4.45

3.97

4.75
3.52
–

6.32
5.11
6.53

6.04

5.35
5.38
5.99

3.87

5.37

205
373
84

662

(134)
(385)
(50)

(569)

–
–
–

–

5
–

5

(2)
1

(1)

1
23
–

24

(1)
(20)
–

(21)

207
155
35

397

(48)
(144)
(39)

(231)

–
–
–

–

3
2

5

(4)
(2)

(6)

1
5
1

7

–
(2)
–

(2)

50 Derivatives (continued)

Notional amount
2001
2000
o m
o m

Weighted
average
maturity
in years

Weighted average rate
Pay

Receive

2001

2000

2001
%

2000
%

2001
%

2000
%

Estimated fair value
2000
o m

2001
o m

Financial futures:
1 year or less
1 - 5 years

4,303
994

18,845
3,107

0.58
1.49

0.47
1.54

2.85
5.02

5.59
5.75

5,297

21,952

0.74

0.62

3.26

5.62

Other interest rate derivatives:
1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

294
380
116

790

Equity derivatives:
1 year or less
1 - 5 years
5 - 10 years

849
1,941
80

519
686
–

1,205

1,174
1,655
69

0.73
2.53
6.92

2.51

0.50
2.70
5.25

0.46
1.60
–

1.11

0.46
2.58
5.22

2,870

2,898

2.12

1.78

5.76
4.54
7.38

5.42

9.36
8.51
–

8.88

5.61

9.63

1
(1)

-

1
12
(10)

3

(1)
(2)
–

(3)

The carrying value of the interest rate derivative financial instruments held for risk management purposes was e 94 million 
(2000: e 162 million).

Reconciliation of movements in notional amounts of interest rate
instruments held for risk management purposes

Interest
rate swaps
F m

FRA
Deposits
F m

At 31 December 1999
Additions
Maturities/amortisations
Cancellations
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2000
Additions
Maturities/amortisations
Cancellations
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2001

(17)
2

(15)

4
5
–

9

–
(1)
–

(1)

FRA
Loans
F m

4,563
2,028
(4,415)
–
11

2,187
4,498
(5,095)
(51)
43

42,434
22,740
(14,068)
(815)
340

50,631
40,361
(34,315)
(1,767)
615

3,910
2,555
(3,933)
–
(7)

2,525
7,849
(6,851)
(50)
74

55,525

3,547

1,582

9797

Notes to the accounts

50 Derivatives (continued)

Non-trading derivative deferred balances
Set out hereunder are deferred balances relating to settled transactions.These balances will be released to the profit and loss account
in the same periods as the income and expense flows from the underlying transactions. At 31 December 2001 the Group had
deferred income of s 65m (2000: s 73m) and deferred expense of s 89m (2000: s 88m) relating to non-trading derivatives.
s 38m (2000: s 38m) of deferred income and s 51m (2000: s 41m) of deferred expense is expected to be released to the profit 
and loss account in 2002. During the year ended 31 December 2001, net deferred expense in relation to previous years of s 3m 
was released to the profit and loss account.

Interest rate swaps

Deferred income
Deferred expense
Forward rate agreements
Deferred income
Deferred expense

Interest rate options
Deferred income
Deferred expense

Financial futures

Deferred income
Deferred expense

2002
F 000

2003
F 000

2004
F 000

2005
F 000

2006
F 000

After
2006
F 000

Total
F 000

5,484
(5,200)

3,063
(1,001)

6,090
(5,543)

23,514
(39,875)

3,814
(4,698)

3,173
(3,127)

2,696
(2,060)

2,686
(1,471)

2,360
(2,818)

20,213
(19,374)

–
–

3,214
(3,484)

4,403
(8,563)

–
–

204
(935)

1,419
(3,205)

–
–

109
(666)

530
(2,173)

–
–

28
(107)

–
–

–
(120)

501
(1,643)

1,568
(2,768)

3,063
(1,001)

9,645
(10,855)

31,935
(58,227)

(13,468)

(5,314)

(2,471)

(1,564)

(6)

(1,778)

(24,601)

The above deferred balances have related unrealised gains or losses on transactions which are on balance sheet.The matching 

of the income and expense flows from the related transactions will be effected through the deferral process. At 31 December 2001
the Group had deferred expense of s 1m (2000: deferred income s 26m) relating to debt securities held for hedging purposes.
Deferred income of s 3m (2000: s 15m) is expected to be released to the profit and loss account in 2002. During the year ended 
31 December 2001, deferred expense in relation to previous years of s 15m was released to the profit and loss account.

Unrecognised gains and losses on derivatives hedges

Gains and losses on instruments used for hedging are recognised in line with the underlying items which are being hedged.
The unrecognised net gain on instruments used for hedging as at 31 December 2001 was s 25m (2000: s 138m).

The net gain expected to be recognised in 2002 is s 20m (2000: s 52m) and thereafter a net gain of s 5m (2000: s 86m) 

is expected.

The net gain recognised in 2001 in respect of previous years was s 52m (2000: net loss of s 6m) and the net loss arising in 

2001 which was not recognised in 2001 was s 61m (2000: net gain of s 134m).

51 Fair value of financial instruments

The term ‘financial instruments’ includes both financial assets and liabilities and also derivatives.The fair value of a financial

instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other 

than in a forced or liquidation sale.

Fair value is based upon quoted market prices where available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated

using quoted market prices for similar securities and adjusted for differences between the quoted instrument and the instrument

being valued. In certain cases, including some lendings to customers, where there are no ready markets, various techniques have 

been used to estimate the fair value of the instruments.These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters

of significant judgement and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Readers of these financial statements are advised to 

use caution when using this data to evaluate the Group’s financial position or to make comparisons with other institutions.

9898

51 Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

Fair value information is not provided for certain financial instruments or for items that do not meet the definition of a financial

instrument.These items include short-term debtors and creditors, intangible assets such as the value of the branch network and the

long-term relationships with depositors, premises and equipment and shareholders’ equity.These items are material and accordingly

the fair value information presented does not purport to represent, nor should it be construed to represent, the underlying value of

the Group as a going concern at 31 December 2001.

The following table gives details of the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at 31 December 2001 and 2000.

Assets

Trading financial instruments(1)
Debt securities
Equity shares
Central government and other eligible bills

Non-trading financial instruments
Cash and balances at central banks(1)
Items in course of collection(1)
Central government bills and other eligible bills
Loans and advances to banks(2)
Loans and advances to customers(2)
Securitised assets(1)
Debt securities
Equity shares

Liabilities

Trading financial instruments
Short positions in securities(1)

Non-trading financial instruments
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Subordinated liabilities
Shareholders’ funds: non-equity interests

Off-balance sheet assets/(liabilities)

Trading financial instruments(1)
Interest rate contracts
Exchange rate contracts
Equity contracts

Non-trading financial instruments
Interest rate contracts
Exchange rate contracts
Equity contracts

31 December 2001
Fair
value
o m

Carrying
amount
o m

31 December 2000
Fair
value
o m

Carrying
amount
o m

3,783
49
4

1,175
1,536
45
6,047
51,216
182
16,299
283

3,783
49
4

1,175
1,536
45
6,060
51,498
182
16,468
283

2,341
48
15

938
1,116
282
4,193
45,880
166
16,645
364

2,341
48
15

938
1,116
284
4,197
46,267
166
16,661
358

205

205

379

379

13,223
54,557
5,033
2,020
775

95
(456)
1

94
9
–

13,261
54,615
5,041
2,016
790

12,478
48,437
4,295
2,249
264

12,507
48,527
4,310
2,235
267

95
(456)
1

103
28
(3)

14
221
–

162
21
–

14
221
–

164
158
(1)

(1)The fair value of these financial instruments is considered equal to the carrying value.These instruments are either carried at market
value or have minimal credit losses.
(2)The carrying values are net of the provisions for bad and doubtful debts and related unearned income.

9999

Notes to the accounts

51 Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments.

Central government bills and other eligible bills
The fair value of central government bills and other eligible bills is based on quoted market prices.

Loans and advances to banks and loans and advances to customers

The Group provides lending facilities of varying rates and maturities to corporate and personal customers. Several different techniques

are employed, as considered appropriate, in estimating the fair value of loans.Where secondary market prices were available, these were

used.The carrying amount of variable rate loans was considered to be at market value if there was no significant change in the credit

risk of the borrower.The fair value of fixed rate loans was calculated by discounting expected cash flows using discount rates that

reflected the credit and interest rate risk in the portfolio.

The fair value of money market funds and loans and advances to banks was estimated using discounted cash flows applying either

market rates, where practicable, or rates currently offered by other financial institutions for placings with similar characteristics.

Debt securities and equity shares 

The fair value of listed debt securities and equity shares is based on market prices received from external pricing services or bid

quotations received from external securities dealers.The estimated value of unlisted debt securities and equity shares is based on 

the anticipated future cashflows arising from these items.

Deposits by banks, customer accounts and debt securities in issue 

The fair value of current accounts and deposit liabilities payable on demand is equal to their book value.The fair value of all other

deposits and other borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flows applying either market rates, where applicable, or interest 

rates currently offered by the Group.

Subordinated liabilities 

The estimated fair value of subordinated liabilities is based upon quoted market rates.

Commitments pertaining to credit-related instruments

Details of the various credit-related commitments entered into by the Group and other off-balance sheet financial guarantees are

included in note 49. Fees for these instruments may be billed in advance or in arrears on an annual, quarterly or monthly basis.

In addition, the fees charged vary on the basis of instrument type and associated credit risk. As a result it is not considered practicable

to estimate the fair value of these instruments because each customer relationship would have to be separately evaluated.

Derivatives 

The Group uses various derivatives, designated as hedges, to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest and exchange rates.

The fair value of these instruments is estimated using market prices or pricing models consistent with the methods used for valuing

similar instruments used for trading purposes. Derivatives used for trading purposes are marked to market using independent prices

and are included in other assets/other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2001 and 2000.

Details of derivatives in place, including fair values, are included in note 50.

Shareholders’ funds: non-equity interests
The fair value of these instruments is based on quoted market prices.

100100

52 Consolidated cash flow statement

Notes

(a) Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest paid on subordinated liabilities
Dividends paid on non-equity shares
Dividends paid to non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries

Net cash outflows from returns on investments and servicing of finance

(b) Taxation
Tax paid, Republic of Ireland
Foreign tax paid

Net cash outflow from taxation

(c) Capital expenditure and financial investment
Net decrease/(increase) in debt securities
Net decrease/(increase) in equity shares
Additions to tangible fixed assets
Disposals of tangible fixed assets

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from capital expenditure

(d) Acquisitions and disposals
Acquisition of Group undertakings
Investments in associated undertakings
Disposals of investments in associated undertakings

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from acquisitions and disposals

(e) Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital
Redemption of subordinated liabilities 
Issue of subordinated liabilities
Issue of reserve capital instrument

Net cash inflow from financing

(f ) Analysis of changes in cash 
At 1 January
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before the effect of exchange translation adjustments
Effect of exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December

52(h)

52(g)

2001
o m

(108)
(17)
(6)

(131)

(72)
(170)

(242)

904
94
(328)
30

700

(59)
(1)
1

(59)

23
(311)
–
496

208

2000
o m

(150)
(20)
(14)

(184)

(82)
(117)

(199)

(2,763)
(67)
(237)
63

(3,004)

–
(4)
6

2

15
–
149
–

164

2,222
377
53

2,652

3,130
(1,016)
108

2,222

101101

Notes to the accounts

52 Consolidated cash flow statement (continued)

(g) Analysis of cash
Cash and balances at central banks
Loans and advances to banks (repayable on demand)

2001
o m

1,175
1,477

2,652

2000
o m

938
1,284

2,222

Change
in year
o m

237
193

430

The Group is required to maintain balances with the Central Bank of Ireland which amounted to o 399m (2000: o 304m).
The Group is also required by law to maintain reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank in the United States of America,
the Bank of England and with the National Bank of Poland. Such reserve balances amounted to o 34m (2000: o 385m).

(h) Analysis of changes in financing
At 1 January
Effect of exchange translation adjustments
Cash inflow/(outflow) from financing
Other movements
Amortisation of issue costs

At 31 December

Share capital(1)

2000
o m

2,116
19
15
15
–

2,165

2001
o m

2,165
15
519
14
–

2,713

Subordinated
liabilities
2000
o m

2001
o m

Non-equity minority
interests
2000
o m

2001
o m

2,249
80
(311)
–
2

2,020

1,984
115
149
–
1

2,249

114
7
–
–
–

121

105
8
–
1
–

114

(1)Includes share capital, share premium and reserve capital instruments.

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests

Remuneration policy

The Company’s policy in respect of the remuneration of the executive directors is to provide remuneration packages that attract,

retain, motivate and reward the executives concerned and, by ensuring strong links between performance and reward, encourage 

them to enhance the Company’s performance. In considering such packages, cognisance is taken of : the levels of remuneration 

for comparable positions, as advised by external consultants; the responsibilities of the individuals concerned; their individual 

performances measured against specific and challenging objectives; and overall Group performance.

Nomination and Remuneration Committee
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee comprises only non-executive directors; during 2001 its members were:
Mr Lochlann Quinn (Chairman), Mr Adrian Burke (to 31 May), Mr Derek A Higgs (from 1 June) and Mr John B McGuckian.
The Committee has a wide remit which includes, inter alia, determining, under advice to the Board, the specific remuneration
packages of the executive directors.

102102

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests (continued)

Fees(1)

Salary

Bonus(2)

x 000

x 000

x 000

Profit
share(3)
x 000

Taxable
benefits(4)
x 000

Pension

contributions(5)

x 000

29
29
24
29
43

811
502
144
282
380

154

2,119

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
9
9
9
9

21
65
18
37
16

36

157

65
31
45
46
43
75
43
1
207
16

572

619
80
23
42
59

823

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Remuneration

Executive directors
Frank P Bramble
Michael Buckley
Kevin J Kelly
Gary Kennedy
Thomas P Mulcahy

Non-executive directors
Adrian Burke
Padraic M Fallon
Dermot Gleeson
Don Godson
Derek A Higgs
John B McGuckian
Carol Moffett
Jim O’Leary
Lochlann Quinn
Michael J Sullivan

Former directors
Pensions(6)
Other payments(7)

Total

2001
Total

x 000

1,480
685
218
399
507

3,289

65
31
45
46
43
75
43
1
207
16

572

103
364

467

4,328

103103

Notes to the accounts

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests (continued)

Remuneration (continued)

Fees(1)

Salary

Bonus(2)

x 000

x 000

x 000

Profit
share(3)
x 000

Taxable
benefits(4)
x 000

Pension

contributions(5)

x 000

29
29
29
29
29

783
307
309
252
698

470
157
159
129
349

145

2,349

1,264

–
13
13
11
13

50

15
149
38
42
40

284

65
36
24
42
4
86
41
38
198

534

424
50
50
38
109

671

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Executive directors
Frank P Bramble
Michael Buckley
Kevin J Kelly
Gary Kennedy
Thomas P Mulcahy

Non-executive directors
Adrian Burke
Padraic M Fallon
Dermot Gleeson
Don Godson
Derek A Higgs
John B McGuckian
Carol Moffett
Denis J Murphy
Lochlann Quinn

Former directors
Pensions(6)
Other payments(7)

Total

2000
Total

x 000

1,721
705
598
501
1,238

4,763

65
36
24
42
4
86
41
38
198

534

98
327

425

5,722

(1) Fees comprise a fee paid in respect of service as a director, and additional remuneration paid to any non-executive director 

who holds the office of Chairman, serves on the board of a subsidiary company, or performs services outside the ordinary 

duties of a director, such as through membership of Board Committees.

(2) The executive directors participate in a discretionary, performance-related, incentive scheme for senior executives under which 

bonuses may be earned on the achievement of specific, performance-related objectives, reviewed annually. The bonus may range

from 0% to 50% of annual salary, except that the bonus for Mr Frank P Bramble may range from 0% to 160% of annual salary.

(3) Information on the employees’ profit sharing schemes, which are operated on terms approved by the shareholders, is given in 

note 44.

(4) Taxable benefits include the use of a company car or the payment of a car allowance, and benefit arising from loans made at 

preferential rates.Taxable benefits also include any allowances related to the undertaking of international assignments within the 

Group.

(5) Pension contributions represent payments to defined benefit pension plans, in accordance with actuarial advice, to provide 

post-retirement pensions.The fees of the non-executive directors who joined the Board since 1990 are not pensionable.

In respect of the US-based executive director, pension benefits are computed on the basis of salary and annual bonus in 

accordance with US practice.The pension benefits earned during the year, and accrued at year-end (or date of retirement,

if earlier), are as follows:

104104

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests (continued)

Remuneration (continued)

Increase/(decrease) in accrued

Accrued benefit

benefits during 2001(a)

x 000

at year-end(b)

x 000

Transfer values(c)

x 000

Executive directors
Frank P Bramble
Michael Buckley
Kevin J Kelly
Gary Kennedy
Thomas P Mulcahy

Non-executive directors
Padraic M Fallon
John B McGuckian

64
104
29
15
49

0.2
(0.1)

380
273
261
45
553

10
16

538
1,329
463
103
788

2
(1)

(a) Increases/(decrease) are after adjustment for inflation, and reflect additional pensionable service and earnings.
(b) Figures represent the accumulated total amounts at 31 December 2001, or at actual retirement dates in respect of 

Messrs Kelly and Mulcahy, of accrued benefits payable at normal retirement dates.

(c) Figures show the transfer values of the increases/(decrease) in accrued benefits during 2001. These transfer values do not 
represent sums paid or due, but the amounts that the pension plan would transfer to another pension plan, in relation to 
the benefits accrued in 2001, in the event of the member leaving service.

(6) Pensions represent the payment of pensions to former directors or their dependants, granted on an ex-gratia basis and fully 

provided for in the balance sheet.

(7) Other payments comprise payment of x 67,760 to a former non-executive director serving on the board of

a subsidiary company (2000: x 42,228), and remuneration of x 296,634 to Mr Jeremiah E Casey under the terms of a 
post-retirement consultancy contract approved by shareholders at the 1999 Annual General Meeting (2000: x 285,049).

Share options

To encourage focus on long-term shareholder value, executive directors are eligible for grants of share options. Options are usually 

granted on a phased basis.The exercise of options granted between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2000 is conditional on the 

achievement of earnings per share (‘EPS’) growth of at least 2% per annum, compound, above the increase in the Consumer Price 

Index (‘CPI’) over a period of not less than three and not more than five years from date of grant.The exercise of options granted 

since 1 January 2001 is conditional on the achievement of EPS growth of at least 5% per annum, compound, above the increase in 

the CPI over a period of not less than three and not more than five years from date of grant.The percentage of share capital that 

may be issued under the share option scheme, and individual grant limits, comply with the requirements of the Irish Association of 

Investment Managers.

Details of the executive directors’ share options are given on page 106, and additional information in relation to the Share 

Option Scheme is given in note 44. Non-executive directors do not participate in that Scheme.

Service contracts

There are no service contracts in force for any director with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

105105

Notes to the accounts

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests (continued)

Interests in shares
The beneficial interests of the directors and the secretary and of their spouses and minor children are as follows:

(a) Ordinary shares

Directors:
Frank P Bramble
Michael Buckley
Adrian Burke
Padraic M Fallon
Dermot Gleeson
Don Godson
Derek A Higgs
Gary Kennedy
John B McGuckian
Carol Moffett
Jim O’Leary
Lochlann Quinn
Michael J Sullivan

Secretary:
W M Kinsella

31 December
2001

1 January

2001*

124,278
176,605
10,642
8,148
2,000
25,099
5,000
25,355
66,113
15,675
–
314,588
700

133,548
128,690
10,642
8,011
2,000
25,099
–
9,191
66,113
15,675
–
309,309
700

13,897

13,005

* or later date of appointment

(b) Options to subscribe for shares

31 December
2001

1 January
2001

Since 1 January 2001
Exercised

Granted

Price of
options
exercised

Market
price at
date of
exercise

Weighted average
subscription price of
options outstanding
at 31 December 2001

Directors:

Michael Buckley

Gary Kennedy

Secretary:

W M Kinsella

216,500

105,000

181,500

235,000

80,000

20,000

60,000

65,000

10,000

45,000

135,000

15,000

5,000

10,000

o

3.38

6.25

6.25

3.38

3.38

o

12.40

13.05

12.82

12.00

13.53

o

9.94

7.88

8.90

The options outstanding at 31 December 2001 are exercisable at various dates up to 2011. Details are shown in the Register 
of Directors’ and Secretary’s Interests, which may be inspected at the Company’s Registered Office.

106106

53 Report on directors’ remuneration and interests (continued)

Interests in shares (continued)
(c) Other options
On 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2001, Mr Frank P Bramble held options over 650,000 AIB American Depositary Receipts
(‘ADRs’) (equivalent to 1,300,000 ordinary shares) at a weighted average price of US $22.45 per ADR, under the terms of the Allfirst
Financial, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (note 34) and the Allfirst Financial, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan. Under the terms of those
Plans, ADRs are purchased in the market by a trust which holds the ADRs, and Plan participants are granted options over ADRs 
so held.The options granted under the 1997 Plan, equivalent to 690,000 ordinary shares, have expiry dates up to October 2008.
The options granted under the 1999 Plan, equivalent to 610,000 ordinary shares, will not vest and become exercisable unless the
following criteria, set by the Management and Compensation Committee of Allfirst Financial, Inc. and approved by the Nomination
and Remuneration Committee, are satisfied:
– 35% of the grant on the achievement, by Allfirst, of tangible net income growth of 7.5% per annum, compound, over the two 

year period following the date of grant;

– 35% of the grant on the achievement, by Allfirst, of a tangible cost/income ratio of less than 55.0% for the two year period 

following the date of grant;

– 30% of the grant on the achievement of growth in AIB tangible EPS over the three year period following the date of grant 

at least equal to the growth in the CPI plus 5% per annum, compound, over that period.

(d) Long Term Incentive Plan
Under the terms of the Long Term Incentive Plan, approved by shareholders at the 2000 Annual General Meeting (see note 44),
the following conditional grants of awards of ordinary shares were made during 2001:

Mr Michael Buckley
Mr Gary Kennedy

18,000 shares
10,000 shares

These awards will not vest in the award holders unless (a) the growth in the Company’s EPS, as defined in the Rules of the Plan,
in any three consecutive years within the five years following the grant is not less than the growth in the CPI plus 5% per annum,
compound, over the same three year period; and (b) the growth in the Company’s core EPS, as defined in the Rules of the Plan,
over the three year period during which the criterion at (a) is satisfied, is such as to position the Company in the top 20% of the
FTSE Eurotop Banks Retail Index. Partial vesting, on a reducing scale, will occur if the growth in the Company’s EPS, being below
that level, is such as to position the Company in the top 45% of that Index.Vested shares must be held until normal retirement date,
except that award holders may dispose of shares sufficient to meet the income tax liability arising on vesting.

The year-end market price, on the Irish Stock Exchange, of the Company’s ordinary shares was x 13.00 per share; during the 

year the price ranged from x 9.31 to 9 13.80 per share.

There were no changes in the above interests between 31 December 2001 and 12 March 2002.

54 Transactions with directors
Loans to non-executive directors are made in the ordinary course of business on commercial terms. Loans to executive directors are
made on the terms applicable to other employees within the Group, in accordance with established policy. At 31 December 2001,
the aggregate amount outstanding in loans to persons who at any time during the year were directors was _ 42.8m in respect of 
7 persons; the amount outstanding in respect of quasi-loans (effectively, credit card facilities), to 7 persons, was _ 0.07m 
(2000: _ 44.4m in respect of loans to 8 persons and _ 0.03m in respect of quasi-loans to 6 persons).

Under the terms of a ‘Change of Control Agreement’ between Mr Frank P Bramble and Allfirst Financial, Inc., which agreement

existed at the time of his co-option to the Board of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., Mr Bramble would be entitled to a severance package 
in the event of his discharge or constructive discharge within two years following a change of control. Essentially, a change of control
would be deemed to have occurred if a third party became the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the equity of AIB, or 25% or
more of the equity of Allfirst Financial, Inc. or its subsidiary Allfirst Bank or if, arising from any merger, consolidation, sale of assets 
or contested election, the persons who were directors of AIB, Allfirst Financial, Inc. or Allfirst Bank immediately before that transaction
should cease to constitute a majority of the Board of such entity, or the persons who were shareholders of AIB or Allfirst Financial, Inc.,
as applicable, immediately before the transaction should cease to own at least 50% of the equity of the applicable entity.The severance
package provides for the payment, within US Internal Revenue limits, of: three times annual salary; short-term bonus; target payments
under long-term incentive awards; vesting of all stock awards; contribution of fringe benefits for up to two years; and out-placement.

107107

Notes to the accounts

55 Commitments

Capital expenditure
Estimated outstanding commitments for capital expenditure not provided for in the accounts amounted to o 69m (2000: o 69m).
Capital expenditure authorised, but not yet contracted for, amounted to o 152m (2000: o 190m).

Operating lease rentals
The Group had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below.

Operating leases which expire:

Within one year
In the second to fifth year
Over five years

The operating lease rentals in respect of property are subject to rent reviews.

56 Employees

The average full-time equivalent employee numbers by division were as follows:

AIB Bank ROI
AIB Bank GB & NI
USA
Capital Markets
Poland
Group/ENeB

2001
o m

3
18
33

54

Property
2000
o m

Equipment
2000
o m

2001
o m

3
9
35

47

–
1
–

1

–
1
–

1

2001

2000

9,548
2,909
5,912
2,213
11,100
715

32,397

8,620
2,630
5,658
2,175
11,926
639

31,648

57 Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983
The Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, requires that, when the net assets of a company are half or less than half of its called up
share capital, an extraordinary general meeting be convened.The Act further requires an expression of opinion by the auditors as to
whether the financial situation of the company at the balance sheet date is such as would require the convening of such a meeting.

58 Form 20-F
An annual report on Form 20-F will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,Washington D.C. and, when filed,
will be available to shareholders on application to the Company Secretary.

59 Reporting currency
The currency used in these accounts is the euro which is denoted by ‘EUR’ or the symbol o. The euro was introduced on 
1 January 1999.The countries participating in the European Single Currency are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Ireland.The national currency units of these participating 
currencies co-existed with the euro, as denominations of the new single currency until 31 December 2001. Euro notes and 
coin were introduced on 1 January 2002. Ireland joined the European Single Currency at the fixed translation rate of 
EUR 1=IR £0.787564. Each euro is made up of one hundred cent, denoted by the symbol ‘c’ in these accounts.

108108

60 Financial and other information

Operating ratios
Operating expenses(1)/operating income
Tangible operating expenses(3)/operating income
Other income(4)/operating income
Net interest margin:

Group
Domestic
Foreign

Rates of exchange
o /US $

Closing
Average

o /Stg £

Closing
Average

o /PLN

Closing
Average

2001

2000
Restated

59.3%(2)
58.5%(2)
39.4%(2)

3.03%
2.69%
3.34%

0.8813
0.8947

0.6085
0.6198

3.4953
3.6573

58.8%(2)
58.0%(2)
40.5%(2)

3.02%(5)
2.75%(5)
3.23%

0.9305
0.9259

0.6241
0.6091

3.8498
4.0121

(1)Excludes integration costs of o 38.2m (2000: nil).
(2)Adjusted to exclude the impact of the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in 2001 and the deposit interest retention tax 
settlement (‘DIRT’) in 2000. Including the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses and DIRT, operating expenses/operating 
income was 76.2% (2000: 60.8%), tangible operating expenses/operating income was 73.9% (2000: 60.0%) and other income/
operating income was 23.5% (2000: 41.9%).
(3)Excludes amortisation of goodwill of o 30.9m (2000: o 26.3m) and integration costs of o 38.2m (2000: nil).
(4)Other income includes other finance income.
(5)The Group and domestic net interest margins have been adjusted to exclude the impact of the deposit interest retention tax 
settlement.

Capital adequacy information

Risk weighted assets
Banking book:

On balance sheet
Off-balance sheet

Trading book:

Market risks
Counterparty and settlement risks

Total risk weighted assets

Capital
Tier 1
Tier 2

Supervisory deductions

Total

2001
o m

2000
o m

54,839
10,854
65,693

2,897
268
3,165

49,396
8,779
58,175

1,956
91
2,047

68,858

60,222

4,479
2,742

7,221
294

6,927

3,814
2,926

6,740
214

6,526

109109

Notes to the accounts

60 Financial and other information (continued)

Currency information

Euro
Other

2001

o m

35,906
52,931

Assets
2000
Restated
o m

32,995
47,255

2001

o m

35,288
53,549

88,837

80,250

88,837

Liabilities
2000
Restated
o m

32,889
47,361

80,250

61 Average balance sheets and interest rates
The following tables show the average balances and interest rates of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for the 
years ended 31 December 2001 and 2000.The calculation of average balances include daily and monthly averages for reporting units.
The average balances used are considered to be representative of the operations of the Group.

Assets

Placings with banks

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 
Loans to customers(1)
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Placings with banks and loans to customers(1)

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Funds sold

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Debt securities and government bills

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Instalment credit and finance lease receivables

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Total interest earning assets
Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Allowance for loan losses
Non-interest earning assets 

Average
balance
o m

3,441
2,041

21,210
25,026

24,651
27,067

–
93

8,886
11,558

1,880
1,458

35,417
40,176

75,593
(939)
8,707

Year ended 31 December 2001
Average
rate
%

Interest

o m

Year ended 31 December 2000 (Restated)
Average
Interest
rate
%

Average
balance
o m

o m

138
117

1,390
2,051

1,528
2,168

–
2

432
784

119
90

2,079
3,044

5,123

4.0
5.7

6.6
8.2

6.2
7.9

–
2.7

4.9
6.8

6.3
6.2

5.9
7.6

6.8

2,410
1,897

18,570
22,772

20,980
24,669

–
75

7,100
11,014

1,739
1,449

29,819
37,207

67,026
(828)
8,041

114
123

1,239
2,056

1,353
2,179

–
5

398
775

109
96

1,860
3,055

4,915

4.7
6.5

6.7
9.0

6.4
8.8

–
6.4

5.6
7.0

6.3
6.6

6.2
8.2

7.3

Total assets

83,361

5,123

6.1

74,239

4,915

6.6

Percentage of assets applicable to 

foreign activities

53.5

55.5

(1)Loans to customers include money market funds. Non-accrual loans and loans classified as problem loans are also included within
this caption.

110110

61 Average balance sheets and interest rates (continued)

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Interest bearing deposits and 

other short-term borrowings

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Funds purchased

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 
Subordinated liabilities

Domestic offices 
Foreign offices 

Total interest bearing liabilities

Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Interest-free liabilities
Current accounts
Other liabilities

Minority equity and non-equity interests
Preference share capital
Reserve capital instruments
Ordinary stockholders’ equity

Year ended 31 December 2001

Year ended 31 December 2000 (Restated)

Average
balance
o m

Interest

o m

Average
rate
%

Average
balance
o m

Interest

o m

Average
rate
%

944(1)

1,701

–
93

97
58

1,041(1)
1,852

2,893(1)

4.1(1)
5.7

–
6.1

6.6
7.7

4.3(1)
5.7

5.1(1)

27,285
32,519

–
1,694

1,459
788

28,744
35,001

63,745

9,578
4,143
298
253
447
4,897

1,044
1,588

–
65

81
52

1,125
1,705

2,830

3.8
4.9

–
3.8

5.6
6.6

3.9
4.9

4.4

22,797
30,058

–
1,522

1,478
750

24,275
32,330

56,605

8,503
3,917
246
266
–
4,702

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

83,361

2,830

3.4

74,239

2,893(1)

3.9(1)

Percentage of liabilities applicable to 

foreign activities

53.9

55.2

(1)The interest amount and the average rate have been presented to eliminate the effect of the deposit interest retention tax 
settlement (note 5).

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes

Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses
As set out in note 8(b), in accordance with Irish Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (IR GAAP) the total costs arising from
the fraud in Allfirst Treasury have been reflected by way of an exceptional charge of d 789 million (after tax d 513 million) in the
accounts for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Under US reporting requirements, the filing of the 2001 financial statements will effectively constitute a reissue of the financial
statements for prior years. Accordingly, in the financial information provided to US investors the IR GAAP statements for prior years
will require to be restated to reflect the losses arising from the fraud in the periods in which they arose.To assist in the comparison of
information provided under US reporting requirements, the Group has presented its consolidated statement of income, consolidated
balance sheet and other related information using this alternative presentation.

Under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), an item of profit and loss related to the correction 

of an error in the financial statements is accounted for and reported as a prior period adjustment.

111111

Notes to the accounts

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses (continued)

The losses arising from the fraud occurred over a number of years. Reflecting the losses in the periods in which they arose would

have the following impact on reported amounts for 2001 and prior periods.

Increase/(decrease) in income before taxes
Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense

Increase/(decrease) in reported net income

2001
o m

378
132

246

2000
o m

(228)
(80)

(148)

1999
o m

(45)
(16)

(29)

1998
o m

(11)
(4)

(7)

1997
o m

(24)
(8)

(16)

Alternative presentation of consolidated statements of income
As outlined above, under US reporting requirements the losses arising from the fraud would be reflected in the Group figures in the 
years in which the losses arose.The following alternative presentation of consolidated statements of income reflects this approach.

2001
o m

2,293
–

2,293
1,493
(417)

3,369
2,278

1,091
204

887
4
6
93

990
187

803
23
50
73

730

2000
o m

2,022
(113)

1,909
1,375
(228)

3,056
1,997

1,059
134

925
3
5
–

933
239

694
38
20
58

636

1999
o m

1,770
–

1,770
1,123
(45)

2,848
1,658

1,190
92

1,098
3
2
15

1,118
317

801
28
16
44

757

Net interest income(1)
Deposit interest retention tax

Net interest income
Other income, including other finance income(2)
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

Total operating income
Total operating expenses

Group operating income before provisions
Provisions

Group operating income
Income from associated undertakings
Income on disposal of property
Income on disposal of business

Income before taxes, preference dividends and

minority interests

Applicable taxes

Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries
Dividends on non-equity shares

Consolidated net income under alternative presentation

(1)Excluding charge in respect of DIRT in 2000 (note 5).
(2)Excluding exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in all years (note 8(b)).

112112

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Alternative presentation of consolidated balance sheet
Reflecting the losses in the period in which they arose would have had the following impact on consolidated ordinary stockholders’
equity, consolidated total assets and consolidated total liabilities.

Consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity

2001
d m

2000
d m

1999
d m

1998
d m

1997
d m

Ordinary stockholders’ equity as in the 

consolidated balance sheet

Adjustments:
Cumulative impact of recognition of losses

in year they occurred

Consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity under 

4,851

4,944

4,460

2,829

2,299

20

(210)

(58)

(23)

(17)

alternative presentation

4,871

4,734

4,402

2,806

2,282

Consolidated total assets

Total assets as in the consolidated balance sheet
Adjustments:
Other assets

88,837

80,250

67,807

53,720

47,777

–

(323)

(89)

(36)

(26)

Consolidated total assets under alternative presentation

88,837

79,927

67,718

53,684

47,751

Consolidated total liabilities and 
ordinary stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and ordinary stockholders’

equity as in the consolidated balance sheet

88,837

80,250

67,807

53,720

47,777

Adjustments:
Expense accruals
Other liabilities
Ordinary stockholders’ equity

(11)
(9)
20

–
(113)
(210)

–
(31)
(58)

–
(13)
(23)

–
(9)
(17)

Consolidated total liabilities and ordinary stockholders’

equity under alternative presentation

88,837

79,927

67,718

53,684

47,751

113113

Notes to the accounts

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Alternative presentation of consolidated balance sheet (continued)

The following consolidated balance sheet illustrates this presentation.

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Items in course of collection
Central government bills and other eligible bills
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers less allowance for loan losses
Securitized assets
Debt securities
Equity shares
Interests in associated undertakings
Intangible assets
Property and equipment
Own shares
Other assets
Prepayments and accrued income
Pension asset
Long-term assurance business attributable to stockholders

Long-term assurance assets attributable to policyholders

Total assets

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Other liabilities
Accruals and deferred income
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Deferred taxation
Subordinated liabilities
Minority equity and non-equity interests in 

consolidated subsidiaries
Non-equity stockholders interests
Ordinary stockholders’ equity

Long-term assurance liabilities to policyholders

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

2001
o m

1,175
1,536
49
6,047
51,216
182
20,082
332
10
495
1,305
245
1,260
2,080
255
304

86,573
2,264

88,837

13,223
54,557
5,033
3,263
2,148
71
300
2,020

312
775
4,871

86,573
2,264

88,837

2000
o m

938
1,116
297
4,193
45,880
166
18,986
412
8
466
1,127
177
1,322
1,835
625
238

77,786
2,141

79,927

12,478
48,437
4,295
2,966
1,684
43
364
2,249

272
264
4,734

77,786
2,141

79,927

1999
o m

1,119
916
718
3,831
39,171
125
15,108
297
22
468
1,039
123
923
1,195
796
166

66,017
1,701

67,718

8,608
42,335
4,298
2,361
1,307
34
216
1,984

227
245
4,402

66,017
1,701

67,718

Summary of significant differences between Irish and United States accounting principles
The following is a description of the significant differences between Irish generally accepted accounting principles (IR GAAP) 
and those applicable in the United States of America (US GAAP).

Debt securities and equity securities
In preparing its US GAAP information, the Group has applied SFAS No. 115 ‘Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities’.

Under IR GAAP, debt securities held for investment purposes are stated in the balance sheet at amortised cost less provision for
any impairment in value. Securities held for hedging purposes are included in the balance sheet at a valuation, the basis of which is
consistent with that being applied to the underlying transactions.These are classified as financial fixed assets.

Under US GAAP, debt securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost. Because AIB periodically sells and buys long-

term debt securities in response to identified market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, debt securities classified as
financial fixed assets in the Group balance sheet in the amount of o 16,299 million at December 31, 2001 would be classified for 

114114

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Summary of significant differences between Irish and United States accounting principles (continued)

US GAAP purposes as ‘available-for-sale’.The purpose of these securities transactions is to minimise the risk associated with the AIB
investment portfolio. At December 31, 2001 the market value of such securities was o 16,468 million.The excess of market value over
amortised cost of the debt securities of o 169 million gave rise to an after tax reconciling item of o 125 million positive in the
consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity for US GAAP purposes.

Under US GAAP, at December 31, 2000 debt securities in the amount of o16,645 million would be classified as ‘available-for-
sale’.The Group uses these securities to minimise the risk associated with the AIB investment portfolio. At December 31, 2000 the
market value of such securities was o 16,661 million. At December 31, 2000 the book amount of derivative financial instruments
held to hedge the debt securities within the ‘available-for-sale’ portfolio exceeded the fair value of these instruments by o 63 million.
The excess of market value over amortised cost of the debt securities of o 16 million, offset by the excess of the book amount over
fair value of the derivative financial instruments of o 63 million, gave rise to an after tax reconciling item of o 37 million negative in
the consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity for US GAAP purposes.

Under US GAAP, at December 31, 2001 equity securities classified as financial fixed assets in the Group balance sheet in the 
amount of o 283 million would be classified as ‘available-for-sale’. At December 31, 2001 the market value of these securities was 
o 283 million.There is no adjustment to the consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity for US GAAP purposes as the book 
amount equals the market value of these securities.

Under US GAAP, at December 31, 2000 equity securities classified as financial fixed assets in the Group balance sheet in the 
amount of o 364 million would be classified as ‘available-for-sale’. At December 31, 2000 the market value of these securities was 
o 358 million.The excess of book amount of these securities over market value was o 6 million giving rise to an after tax
reconciling item of o 4 million negative in the consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity for US GAAP purposes.

Debt securities held for hedging purposes
Under IR GAAP, certain debt securities held as financial fixed assets are held to hedge the Group’s sensitivity to movements in
market interest rates. Profits and losses on disposal of these debt securities are deferred and amortised to the profit and loss account
over the lives of the underlying transactions.

Under US GAAP, profits and losses on disposal of debt securities are recognised immediately in the profit and loss account.

Internal derivative trades
Under IR GAAP, where underlying Group subsidiaries and business units undertake internal derivative trades with the Group 
central treasury to transfer risk from the banking book to the trading book, the Group central treasury is allowed to aggregate 
and/or offset trades with similar characteristics for the purposes of establishing an effective hedge position against the underlying risk.
Under IR GAAP, where positions established with external counterparties offset the net risk, hedge accounting is to be applied 

to internal derivative trades.The accounting policy for derivatives under IR GAAP is described more fully on pages 46 and 47.
Under US GAAP, contemporaneous offset with external counterparties is required if hedge accounting is to be applied to
internal derivative trades. As a consequence, trades not satisfying this requirement have been accounted for at fair value with gains 
or losses being recognized in the consolidated net income statement. From January 1, 2001 the adjustment for internal derivative
trades is included with the Derivatives FAS 133 adjustment.

FAS 133 - Derivatives and hedging activities
Under IR GAAP, the Group uses derivatives, for both trading and hedging purposes.The accounting treatment for these derivative
instruments is dependent on whether they are entered into for trading or hedging purposes.

Trading instruments are recognised in the accounts at fair value with the adjustment arising included in other assets and other
liabilities, as appropriate, in the consolidated balance sheet. Gains and losses arising from trading activities are included in dealing profits 
in the profit and loss account using the mark to market method of accounting.

Derivative transactions entered into for hedging purposes are recognised in the accounts in accordance with the accounting
treatment of the underlying transactions being hedged. Gains and losses arising from hedging activities are amortised to net interest
income over the lives of the underlying transactions.

Under US GAAP, all derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measured at 
fair value.The recognition of the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends upon its intended use. Derivatives that do not qualify 
for hedging treatment must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically
designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm
commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction, or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency
exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognised firm commitment, an available-for-sale security, or a foreign
currency denominated forecasted transaction.The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended 

115115

Notes to the accounts

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Summary of significant differences between Irish and United States accounting principles (continued)

FAS 133 - Derivatives and hedging activities (continued)
use of the derivatives and the resulting designations. In adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133,“Accounting 
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (‘FAS 133’) in its US GAAP reconciliation from January 1, 2001, AIB Group
designated its derivative instruments anew for US reporting purposes on that date.The transition adjustment arising from this action 
is reflected in net income and other comprehensive income.

Revaluation of property
Under IR GAAP, property may be carried at either original cost or subsequent valuation less related depreciation, calculated where 
applicable on the revalued amount.

Under US GAAP, revaluations are not permitted to be reflected in the financial statements.

Deferred taxation
Under IR GAAP, deferred taxation is accounted for using the liability method in respect of timing differences between the income 
as stated in the accounts and as computed for taxation purposes where, in the opinion of the directors, there is a reasonable
probability that a tax liability or asset will arise in the foreseeable future.

Under US GAAP, the liability method is also used but deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated for all temporary
differences. A valuation allowance is raised against a deferred tax asset where it is more likely than not that some portion of the
deferred tax asset will not be realised.

Under IR GAAP, deferred taxation of o 55m arising from the phased reduction in Irish corporation tax rates announced in 

1998 was charged to the profit and loss account in December 31, 1998.

Under US GAAP, the impact of the phased reduction in tax rates is not recognised until the enactment of the appropriate legislation.

Depreciation
Under IR GAAP, until December 31, 1999 depreciation was generally not charged by AIB Group on freehold and long leasehold 
properties as their estimated useful economic lives and residual values made it insignificant. Since January 1, 2000 AIB has adopted 
a policy of depreciating its freehold and long leasehold property over a period not exceeding 50 years.

Under US GAAP, freehold and long leasehold property must be depreciated. In AIB’s case, a period of 50 years is used 

in preparing its US GAAP information.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiary and associated undertakings prior to December 31, 1997 has been written off to
reserves in the year of acquisition and is written back in the year of disposal. Goodwill arising after January 1, 1998 is capitalised 
and written off over its useful life, up to a maximum of 20 years.

In the US, goodwill is capitalized and amortized through income over the estimated useful life. In AIB’s case, a period of 20 

years has been used in preparing its US GAAP information.

Core deposit intangibles
Under US GAAP, a component of goodwill arising on acquisition of bank subsidiary undertakings which relates to retail depositors 
is termed core deposit intangibles. Under IR GAAP, core deposit intangibles arising prior to December 31, 1997 have been written 
off to reserves in the year of acquisition, as a component of goodwill.

Under US GAAP, capitalized core deposit intangibles are amortized through income over the estimated average life of the retail 

depositor relationship. In AIB’s case a period of 10 years has been used in preparing its US GAAP information.

Long-term assurance policies
Under IR GAAP, the shareholders’ interest in the long-term assurance fund is valued as the discounted value of the cash flows 
expected to be generated from in-force policies together with the net assets in excess of the statutory liabilities.

Under US GAAP, premiums are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders.The costs of claims are recognized when 
insured events occur. For traditional business, the present value of estimated future policy benefits is accrued when premium revenue 
is recognized. Acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense in proportion to premium revenue recognized. For unit-linked 
business, acquisition costs are amortized over the life of the contracts at a constant rate based on the present value of estimated gross 
profits. Initial income in respect of future services is not earned in the period assessed but recognized as income over the same 
amortization period and using the same amortization schedule as for acquisition costs.

116116

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Summary of significant differences between Irish and United States accounting principles (continued)

Dividends payable on ordinary shares
Under IR GAAP, AIB records proposed dividends on ordinary shares, which are declared after period end, in the period to which 
they relate.

Under US GAAP, dividends are recorded in the period in which they are declared.

Dividends on non-equity shares
Under IR GAAP, AIB records dividends on non-equity shares in the profit and loss account on an accruals basis. Under US GAAP,
dividends are recorded as a charge against ordinary stockholders’ equity in the period in which they are declared.

Acceptances
Under IR GAAP, the Group presents acceptances as a contingent liability in a footnote to the financial statements. In the US,
acceptances outstanding are presented as a liability, with an equal amount presented as an asset, ‘customers’ acceptance liability’.

Retirement benefits
Under IR GAAP, the expected return on pension assets, net of the interest cost on pension liabilities, is credited to other finance
income while the service cost is charged to other administrative expenses. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized through the
statement of total recognized gains and losses. Scheme assets are valued at fair value and scheme liabilities are measured using the
projected unit method.The net scheme assets, reduced by deferred tax amounts are shown on the face of the balance sheet.

Under US GAAP, certain assumptions primarily in relation to the recognition of actuarial gains and losses and amortization

methods are used that are different when compared with IR GAAP.

Own shares purchased
Under IR GAAP, own shares purchased are recorded at cost and reflected as fixed asset investments in the consolidated balance sheet.

Under US GAAP, own shares purchased are recorded at cost and reflected as a reduction to the consolidated ordinary

stockholders’ equity.

Internal use computer software 
Under IR GAAP, certain specific costs incurred in respect of software for internal use can be capitalised and amortised. All other costs 
are expensed.

Under US GAAP, the same treatment applies, however there are additional specific costs that are capitalised which would be 

expensed under IR GAAP.These costs are being depreciated on a straight line basis over five years.

Transfer and servicing of financial assets 
Under IR GAAP, where a transaction involving a previously recognized asset transfers to others (a) all significant rights or other
access to benefits relating to that asset and (b) all significant exposure to the risks inherent in those benefits, the entire asset should
cease to be recognized.

Under US GAAP, an entity de-recognizes financial assets where control has been surrendered and de-recognizes liabilities where

they are extinguished. Control passes where the following criteria have been met: (a) the assets are isolated from the transferor (the
seller) i.e. the assets are beyond the reach of the transferor, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (b) the transferee (the buyer) has
the right - free of any conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right - to pledge or exchange the assets, and (c) the 
transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets.

Special purpose vehicles
Under IR GAAP, special purpose vehicles are consolidated as quasi-subsidiaries where risks and rewards from operations are similar
to those which would be obtained for subsidiaries.

Under US GAAP, consolidation of an entity by its sponsor, the party at whose initiative the entity is activated, is required if the 

entity’s powers and activities are not strictly limited, and the entity does not have sufficient legal equity in form held by parties other 
than the sponsor or its affiliates. Sufficient legal equity has been defined as at least 3% of capital at risk. Interest earned on the assets held
in the special purpose vehicles has been entirely offset by the interest expense and management fees of the special purpose vehicles.

117117

Notes to the accounts

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Summary of significant differences between Irish and United States accounting principles (continued)

Reconciliation of alternative presentation to US GAAP
The Group financial statements conform with accounting principles generally accepted in Ireland. The following tables provide the
significant adjustments to the alternative presentation of the consolidated net income (Group profit attributable to the stockholders of AIB)
and consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity, total assets and total liabilities, which would be required if accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP) had been applied instead of those generally accepted in Ireland (IR GAAP).

Consolidated net income

Net income (Group profit attributable to the stockholders of AIB)

as in the consolidated profit and loss account under alternative

presentation (page 112)

Adjustments in respect of:

Depreciation of freehold and long leasehold property
Long-term assurance policies
Goodwill
Premium on core deposit intangibles
Retirement benefits
Dividends on non-equity shares
Securities held for hedging purposes
Derivatives hedging available-for-sale securities
Internal derivative trades
Internal use computer software
Derivatives FAS 133 transition adjustment(1)
Derivatives FAS 133 adjustment
Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments
Impact of phased reduction in Irish corporation tax rates

2001

Year ended December 31

2000
Restated

1999
Restated

(millions except per share amounts)

o 730

o 636

o 757

5
(48)
(110)
(7)
53
50
(24)
–
–
6
122
(107)
(5)
–

–
(70)
(78)
(9)
94
20
(25)
(9)
(6)
11
–
–
7
–

(5)
(43)
(73)
(11)
54
16
34
–
(3)
–
–
–
(8)
(55)

Net income in accordance with US GAAP

Net income applicable to ordinary stockholders of AIB in accordance with US GAAP

Equivalent to

o 665

o  615

US $ 542

o 571

o 551

o 663

o 647

Income per American Depositary Share (ADS*) in accordance with US GAAP

o 1.43

o1.29

o1.52

Equivalent to
Year end exchange rate I/US $

*An American Depositary Share represents two ordinary shares of o 0.32 each.

US $ 1.26
0.8813

Comprehensive income

Net income in accordance with US GAAP
Net movement in unrealized holding gains/(losses) on debt and equity securities 

arising during the period

Derivatives FAS 133 transition adjustment(1)
Exchange translation adjustments

Comprehensive income

2001

o 665

120
41
214

Year ended December 31

2000
Restated

(millions)
o 571

110
–
233

1999
Restated

o 663

(237)
–
492

o 1,040

o 914

o 918

(1)Cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle for derivatives and hedging activities.

118118

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Consolidated ordinary stockholders’ equity

Ordinary stockholders’ equity as in the consolidated balance sheet

2001

2000
Restated
(millions except per share amounts)

1999
Restated

under alternative presentation (page 114)

Revaluation of property 
Depreciation of freehold and long leasehold property
Goodwill
Core deposit intangibles
Dividends payable on ordinary shares
Dividends on non-equity shares
Long-term assurance policies
Unrealized gains/(losses) not yet recognised on:

Available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale equity securities
Derivatives hedging available-for-sale securities

Securities held for hedging purposes
Internal derivative trades
Derivatives FAS 133 adjustment
Retirement benefits
Internal use computer software
Own shares
Deferred tax effect of the above adjustments

Ordinary stockholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP
Equivalent to

Ordinary stockholders’ equity per ADS in accordance with US GAAP
Equivalent to

Ordinary stockholders’ equity per ADS in accordance with IR GAAP
Equivalent to

Consolidated total assets

Total assets as in the consolidated balance sheet under alternative

presentation (page 114)

Revaluation of property
Depreciation of freehold and long leasehold property
Goodwill
Core deposit intangibles
Available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale equity securities
Derivatives hedging available-for-sale securities
Internal derivative trades
Derivatives FAS 133 adjustment
Retirement benefits
Internal use computer software
Own shares
Special purpose vehicles
Long-term assurance policies
Long-term assurance assets attributable to policyholders
Securitized assets
Acceptances

Total assets in accordance with US GAAP
Equivalent to

o 4,871
(204)
(27)
1,070
19
250
1
(236)

169
–
–
(1)
–
5
77
17
(245)
(50)
o 5,716
US $ 5,038
o 12.98
US $ 11.44
o 11.06
US $ 9.74

2001

o 88,837
(204)
(27)
1,070
19
169
–
–
–
5
77
17
(245)
667
(236)
(2,264)
–
142
o 88,027
US $ 77,579

o 4,734
(210)
(27)
1,097
26
221
–
(188)

16
(6)
(63)
26
(10)
–
(476)
11
(177)
76
o 5,050

o 4,402
(211)
(27)
1,074
33
188
(1)
(97)

(208)
10
(17)
51
(3)
–
(812)
–
(123)
161
o 4,420

o 11.56

o 10.27

o 10.84

o 10.23

2000
Restated

(millions)
o 79,927
(210)
(27)
1,097
26
16
(6)
(63)
(10)
–
(476)
11
(177)
–
(188)
(2,141)
(3)
147
o 77,923

1999
Restated

o 67,718
(211)
(27)
1,074
33
(208)
10
(17)
(3)
–
(812)
–
(123)
–
(97)
(1,701)
(1)
143
o 65,778

119119

Notes to the accounts

62 Supplementary Group financial information for US reporting purposes (continued)

Consolidated total liabilities and ordinary stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and ordinary stockholders’ equity as in the consolidated 

balance sheet under alternative presentation (page 114)

Ordinary stockholders’ equity
Dividends payable on ordinary shares
Dividends on non-equity shares 
Acceptances
Securities held for hedging purposes
Securitized assets
Debt securities in issue re special purpose vehicles
Deferred taxation
Long-term assurance liabilities to policyholders

2001

o 88,837
845
(250)
(1)
142
1
–
667
50
(2,264)

2000
Restated

(millions)

o 79,927
316
(221)
–
147
(26)
(3)
–
(76)
(2,141)

1999
Restated

o 67,718
18
(188)
1
143
(51)
(1)
–
(161)
(1,701)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP

o 88,027

o 77,923

o 65,778

Equivalent to

US $ 77,579

Statement of changes in ordinary stockholders’ equity

Opening balance
Net income
Dividends payable on ordinary shares
Dividends on non-equity shares
Issue of shares
Unrealized gains on debt securities and equity shares

held as available-for-sale
FAS 133 transition adjustment
Own shares
Exchange translation adjustments
Other movements

Closing balance

2001

o 5,050
665
(351)
(50)
60

120
41
(68)
214
35
o 5,716

2000
Restated

(millions)
o 4,420
571
(302)
(20)
105

110
–
(55)
233
(12)
o 5,050

1999
Restated

o 3,761
663
(252)
(14)
67

(237)
–
(66)
492
6
o 4,420

63 Approval of accounts
The accounts, which were approved by the board of directors on 19 February 2002, have been updated to incorporate disclosures in
respect of the class action referred to in note 49 and were re-approved by the Directors on 12 March 2002.

120120

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in relation to the Accounts

The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with the statement of auditors' responsibilities set out within their
audit report, is made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the respective responsibilities of the directors and of the auditors
in relation to the accounts.

The directors are required by the Companies Acts to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of

the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss for the financial year.
Following discussions with the auditors, the directors consider that, in preparing the accounts on pages 44 to 120, which have
been prepared on a going concern basis, the Company and the Group have used appropriate accounting policies, consistently applied
and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates, and that all accounting standards which they consider applicable
have been followed (subject to any explanations and any material departures disclosed in the notes to the accounts).

The directors have responsibility for taking all reasonable steps to secure that the Company causes to be kept proper books of
account, whether in the form of documents or otherwise, that correctly record and explain the transactions of the Company, that will
at any time enable the financial position of the Company to be readily and properly audited, and that will enable the directors to
ensure that the accounts comply with the requirements of the Companies Acts.

The directors have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the

Company and the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The directors, having prepared the accounts, have requested the auditors to take whatever steps and undertake whatever

inspections they consider to be appropriate for the purpose of enabling them to give their audit report.

121121

Auditors’ report 

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

We have audited the accounts on pages 44 to 120 which comprise the Group profit and loss account, the Group balance sheet, the
Company balance sheet, the Group cash flow statement and the Group statement of total recognised gains and losses and the related
notes.These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention (as modified by the revaluation of certain properties
and investments) and the accounting policies set out on pages 44 to 47.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable Irish law and
accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland are set out in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities on page 121.

Our responsibility is to audit the accounts in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, auditing standards 

issued by the Auditing Practices Board applicable in Ireland and the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the accounts give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with Irish

statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2001, and the European Communities (Credit Institutions:Accounts) Regulations, 1992.
We state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit and whether
the Company balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.We also report to you our opinion as to:

–  whether the Company has kept proper books of account;
–  whether the Report of the Directors’ is consistent with the accounts; and
–  whether at the balance sheet date there existed a financial situation which may require the Company to convene an 

extraordinary general meeting; such a financial situation may exist if the net assets of the Company, as stated in the Company 
balance sheet, are not more than half of its called-up share capital.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, information specified by law or the Listing Rules regarding directors’ remuneration and

transactions is not disclosed.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider the implications for our report if we become 

aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the accounts.The other information comprises only the 
Financial highlights, the Chairman’s statement, the Directors, the Group Chief Executive’s review, the Report of the Directors’,
the Operating and Financial Review, the Corporate Governance Statement, the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation 
to the Accounts, the Accounts in sterling, US dollars and Polish zloty, the Five year financial summary and other information for
shareholders.

We review whether the Corporate Governance Statement reflects the Company’s compliance with the seven provisions of the 
Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules and we report if it does not.We are not required to consider whether 
the board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls or to form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
or Group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the accounts. It also includes an assessment 
of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in 

order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion, we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the
presentation of information in the accounts.

122122

Opinion

In our opinion, the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group at 31 December 2001
and of the profit and cash flows of the Group for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2001, and the European Communities (Credit Institutions: Accounts) Regulations, 1992.

We have obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion,
proper books of account have been kept by the Company.The Company balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion, the information given in the Report of the Directors’ on pages 37 to 38 is consistent with the accounts.
The net assets of the Company, as stated in the Company balance sheet on page 51 are more than half of the amount of its called
up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2001 a financial situation which, under Section
40(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, would require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Dublin 22 March 2002

Notes:

(a) The maintenance and integrity of the Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by
the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that
may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

(b) Leglislation in Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other
jurisdictions.

123123

Accounts in sterling, US dollars and Polish zloty

Summary of consolidated profit and loss account
for the year ended 31 December 2001

Group operating profit before provisions and exceptional item
Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

Group operating profit before provisions
Provisions

Group operating profit 
Income from associated undertakings
Profit on disposal of property
Profit on disposal of business

Group profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Taxation

Group profit on ordinary activities after taxation

Group profit attributable to the ordinary

shareholders of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

Dividends on equity shares

Earnings per I 0.32 share – basic
Earnings per I 0.32 share – adjusted
Earnings per I 0.32 share – diluted

Summary of consolidated balance sheet 
31 December 2001 

Assets
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Debt securities and equity shares
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Other assets
Long-term assurance assets

attributable to policyholders

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Customer accounts
Debt securities in issue
Other liabilities
Subordinated liabilities
Equity and non-equity minority interests in subsidiaries
Shareholders’ funds
Long-term assurance liabilities to policyholders

124124

e m

1,502
(789)

713
204

509
4
6
93

612
55

557

484

380

STG £m
STG £0.6085
= o 1

US $m
US $0.8813
= o 1

PLN m
PLN 3.4953
= o 1

914
(480)

1,324
(695)

5,251
(2,758)

434
124

310
2
4
56

372
33

339

295

231

629
180

449
4
5
82

540
49

491

427

335

2,493
712

1,781
14
21
324

2,140
192

1,948

1,692

1,328

56.2c
119.4c
55.9c

34.2p
72.7p
34.0p

49.5¢
105.2¢
49.3¢

196.4 PLN
417.3 PLN
195.4 PLN 

o m

Stg £m

US $m

PLN m

6,047
51,216
20,414
495
1,305
7,096

3,680
31,165
12,422
301
794
4,318

5,329
45,137
17,991
437
1,150
6,253

21,136
179,015
71,353
1,730
4,561
24,801

2,264

1,377

1,995

7,914

88,837

54,057

78,292

310,510

13,223
54,557
5,033
5,802
2,020
312
5,626
2,264

8,046
33,198
3,062
3,530
1,229
190
3,424
1,378

11,653
48,081
4,436
5,113
1,780
275
4,958
1,996

46,216
190,693
17,593
20,276
7,061
1,092
19,665
7,914

88,837

54,057

78,292

310,510

2000
Restated
o m

1999
Restated
o m

Five year financial summary 

2001

Summary of consolidated

US $m profit and loss account

2,021 Net interest income before exceptional item

– Deposit interest retention tax

2,021 Net interest income after exceptional item

59 Other finance income

1,257 Other income before exceptional item
(695) Exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses

2,642 Total operating income after exceptional items
2,013 Total operating expenses

629 Group operating profit before provisions
180

Provisions

449 Group operating profit

4
5
82

Income from associated undertakings
Profit/(loss) on disposal of property
Profit on disposal of business

540 Group profit before taxation
49 Taxation on ordinary activities
Impact of phased reduction in 

Irish corporation tax rates on 
deferred tax balances

–
49
20
44 Dividends on non-equity shares

Equity and non-equity minority interests

Group profit attributable to the ordinary 

427

shareholders of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.

335 Dividends on equity shares
1.3 Dividend cover – times
49.5
105.2
49.3

Earnings per I 0.32 share – basic
Earnings per I 0.32 share – adjusted
Earnings per I 0.32 share – diluted

2001

Summary of consolidated

US $m balance sheet

78,292 Total assets
50,626
64,170 Deposits etc

Loans etc

1,405 Dated capital notes

375 Undated capital notes

Equity and non-equity minority

interests in subsidiaries

Shareholders’ funds: non-equity interests
Shareholders’ funds: equity interests

275
683
4,275

7,013 Total capital resources

2001

o m

2,293
–

2,293
67
1,426
(789)

2,997
2,284

713
204

509
4
6
93

612
55

–
55
23
50

484

380
1.3
56.2c
119.4c
55.9c

2001

o m

88,837
57,445
72,813

1,594
426

312
775
4,851

7,958

2,022
(113)

1,909
71
1,304
–

3,284
1,997

1,287
134

1,153
3
5
–

1,161
319

–
319
38
20

784

335
2.3
91.6c
106.7c
91.0c

2000
Restated
o m

80,250
50,239
65,210

1,836
413

272
264
4,944

7,729

Year ended 31 December
1997

1998

o m

1,609
–

1,609
–
980
–

2,589
1,442

1,147
134

1,013
4
32
–

1,049
315

55
370
29
17

633

239
2.7
74.7c
81.1c
73.7c

o m

1,374
–

1,374
–
757
–

2,131
1,384

747
94

653
9
(2)
76

736
230

–
230
23
18

465

177
2.6
60.9c
–
60.6c

1,770
–

1,770
71
1,052
–

2,893
1,658

1,235
92

1,143
3
2
15

1,163
333

–
333
28
16

786

288
2.7
92.5c
93.5c
91.6c

1999
Restated
o m

67,807
43,127
55,241

1,587
397

227
245
4,460

6,916

Year ended 31 December
1997

1998

o m

o m

53,720
35,496
44,840

970
170

213
210
2,829

4,392

47,777
32,390
40,063

1,002
178

219
160
2,299

3,858

125125

Five year financial summary (continued)

Other financial data

Return on average total assets
Return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity
Dividend payout ratio
Average ordinary shareholders’ equity 

as a percentage of average total assets
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage
of total loans to customers at year end

Net interest margin
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

2001

%

0.67(2)
9.9(2)
78.5

5.9

1.9
3.03
6.5
10.1

2000
Restated(1)

%

1.13(3)
16.7(3)
42.7

6.4

1.9
3.02
6.3
10.8

Year ended 31 December
1997

1998

1999
Restated(1)

%

1.36
20.9
36.6

6.2

1.9
3.27
6.4
11.3

%

1.29(4)
25.4(4)
37.9

4.7

1.8
3.33
7.5
11.1

%

1.23
23.6
38.0

4.8

1.9
3.67
7.4
11.1

(1)Restated to include the impact of FRS 17.
(2)Excluding the impact of the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses, the return on average total assets was 1.28% and the return on 
average ordinary shareholders’ equity was 19.4%.
(3)Excluding the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement, the return on average total assets was 1.27% and the return on 
average ordinary shareholders’ equity was 18.7%.
(4)Excluding the impact of the phased reduction in Irish corporation tax rates on deferred tax balances, the return on average total assets 
was 1.39% and the return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity was 27.3%.

US $

Supplementary information
for US investors

Per American Depositary Share (ADS):(2)

1.50 Net income per alternative presentation (note 62)
0.78 Dividend(4)

– Tax credit on dividend(5)

9.74 Net assets per alternative presentation (note 62)

Amounts in accordance with US GAAP:

586m Net income 
542m Net income attributable to ordinary stockholders

1.26 Net income per ADS
11.44 Net assets per ADS

77,579m Total assets
5,038m Ordinary stockholders’ equity

2001

o

1.70
0.88
–
11.06

2000

Restated(1)

o

1999

Restated(1)

o

Year ended 31 December
1997
Restated(1)
o

1998
Restated(1)
o

1.49(3)
0.78
–
10.84

1.78
0.68
–
10.23

1.48
0.56
0.07
6.57

1.18
0.46
0.10
5.39

665m
615m
1.43
12.98

571m(6)
551m(7)
1.29(8)
11.56
88,027m 77,923m
5,716m
5,050m

663m
647m
1.52
10.27
65,778m
4,420m

650m
633m
1.49
8.80
53,448m
3,761m

442m
427m
1.12
8.06
48,098m
3,416m

(1)Restated to include the impact of FRS 17, in 2000 and 1999 and the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in all years.
(2)With effect from close of business on 13 May 1999 the number of ordinary shares represented by one American 

Depositary Share was amended from six to two. Prior year data has been restated to reflect this change.
(3)o 1.73 (US $ 1.61) when adjusted to exclude the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement.
(4)The actual dividend payable to US stockholders will depend on the I/US $ exchange rate prevailing.
(5)For dividends payable after 5 April 1999 the tax credit is zero.
(6)o 674m (US $ 628m) when adjusted to exclude the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement.
(7)o 654m (US $ 609m) when adjusted to exclude the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement.
(8)o 1.53 (US $ 1.42) when adjusted to exclude the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement.

2001

%

2000

Restated(1)
%

1999

Restated(1)

%

Year ended 31 December
1997
Restated(1)
%

1998
Restated(1)
%

Other financial data in accordance 

with US GAAP:

Return on average total assets
Return on average ordinary stockholders’ equity
Dividend payout ratio
Average ordinary stockholders’ equity 

0.84
11.25
61.7

0.84(2)
11.33(2)
60.7

1.16
15.27
44.4

1.26
17.90
37.7

1.08
15.76
41.4

as a percentage of average total assets

6.68

6.74

7.09

6.71

6.55

(1)Restated to include the impact of FRS 17, in 2000 and 1999 and the exceptional foreign exchange dealing losses in all years.
(2)Excluding the impact of the deposit interest retention tax settlement, the return on average total assets was 0.99% and the return on 
average ordinary shareholders’ equity was 13.30%.

126126

Principal addresses

Ireland & Britain

Group Headquarters 
Bankcentre, PO Box 452, Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4, Ireland.
Telephone + 353 1 660 0311
http://www.aibgroup.com

AIB Bank (ROI)
Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 660 0311
Facsimile + 353 1 660 9137

First Trust Bank
First Trust Centre, PO Box 123,
92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3AY.
Telephone + 44 28 9032 5599
From ROI 048 9032 5599
Facsimile + 44 28 9032 1754
From ROI 048 9032 1754
ftonline@aib.ie

Allied Irish Bank (GB)
Bankcentre, Belmont Road,
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1SA.
Telephone + 44 1895 272 222
Facsimile + 44 1895 239 774

AIB Finance & Leasing
Sandyford Business Centre,
Blackthorn Road,
Sandyford Industrial Park,
Dublin 18.
Telephone + 353 1 660 3011
Facsimile + 353 1 295 9898
aibfinl@aib.ie

Ark Life Assurance Company 
Limited
8 Burlington Road, Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 668 1199
Facsimile + 353 1 637 5737
info@arklife.ie

Credit Card Centre
Donnybrook House,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 668 5500
Facsimile + 353 1 668 5901
credcard@aib.ie

AIB Capital Markets
AIB International Centre, IFSC,
Dublin 1.
Telephone + 353 1 874 0222
Facsimile + 353 1 679 6084

Treasury & International
AIB International Centre, IFSC,
Dublin 1.
Telephone + 353 1 874 0222
Facsimile + 353 1 679 5933

12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DP.
Telephone + 44 207 606 3070
Facsimile + 44 207 726 6683

AIB Asset Management Holdings 
Limited/AIB Govett Asset
Management Limited
Shackleton House,
4 Battle Bridge Lane,
London SE1 2HR.
Telephone + 44 207 378 7979
Facsimile + 44 207 638 3468
email@aibgovett.co.uk

AIB Investment Managers Limited
AIB Investment House,
Percy Place,
Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 661 7077
Facsimile + 353 1 661 7038
aibim@iol.ie

AIB International Financial Services
Limited
AIB International Centre, IFSC,
Dublin 1.
Telephone + 353 1 874 0777
Facsimile + 353 1 874 3050

Goodbody Stockbrokers
Ballsbridge Park, Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 667 0400
Facsimile + 353 1 667 0422

AIB Securities Services
AIB Trade Centre, IFSC, Dublin 1.
Telephone + 353 1 874 0222
Facsimile + 353 1 670 0710

AIB Corporate Finance Limited
85 Pembroke Road,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 667 0233
Facsimile + 353 1 667 0250

Allied Irish Capital Management
Limited
85 Pembroke Road,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 668 8860
Facsimile + 353 1 668 8831

AIB Corporate Banking
Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone + 353 1 660 0311
Facsimile + 353 1 668 2508
corporatebanking@aib.ie

Corporate Business Britain
12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DP.
Telephone + 44 207 606 3070
Facsimile + 44 207 606 5698

127

Principal addresses (continued)

USA

Poland

Rest of the World

Allfirst Financial Inc.
25 South Charles St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
Telephone + 1 410 244 4000
Facsimile + 1 410 244 4026
1-800-842-BANK (2265) (USA only)

Allied Irish Bank
405 Park Avenue, New York NY10022.
Telephone + 1 212 339 8000
Facsimile + 1 212 339 8008
(includes AIB Group Treasury 
Facsimile + 1 212 339 8006)

Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.
Rynek 9/11,
50-950 Wroclaw.
Telephone + 48 71 370 2617
Facsimile + 48 71 370 2771

Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.
Poznanskie Centrum Finansowe,
Plac Andersa 5,
61-894 Poznan.
Telephone + 48 61 856 4900

AIB European Investments (Warsaw)
Sp. z o.o.
Atrium Tower,
Al. Jana Pawla II 25,
00-854 Warsaw.
Telephone + 48 22 653 4700
Facsimile + 48 22 653 4701

AIB Bank (CI) Limited
AIB House, PO Box 468,
Grenville Street, St Helier,
Jersey JE4 8WT,
Channel Islands.
Telephone + 44 1534 883 000
Facsimile + 44 1534 720 711

AIB Frankfurt
Oberlindau 5, D-60323,
Frankfurt-Main, Germany.
Telephone + 49 69 971 4210
Facsimile + 49 69 971 42116

AIB Bank (Isle of Man) Limited
PO Box 186, 10 Finch Road,
Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1QE.
Telephone + 44 1624 639639
Facsimile + 44 1624 639636

All numbers are listed with international codes.To dial a location from within the same jurisdiction, drop the country code after the + sign
and place a 0 before the area code.This does not apply to calls to First Trust from Ireland (Republic).

128

Additional information for shareholders

1. Stock Exchange Listings

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an Irish registered company. Its ordinary shares are traded on the Irish Stock Exchange, the 

London Stock Exchange and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADS), on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol

AIB). Each ADS represents two ordinary shares and is evidenced by an American Depositary Receipt (ADR).The Company’s 

non-cumulative preference shares are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, and are eligible for trading in the USA, in the form 

of American Depositary Shares, in the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.’s PORTAL system under rule 144A.

2. Registrar

The Company’s Registrar is:

Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Ltd., Heron House, Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18.

Telephone: +353-1-216 3100. Facsimile: +353-1-216 3151.

Website: http:// www.computershare.com   e-mail: web.queries@computershare.ie

Ordinary Shareholders with access to the internet may

–

–

–

check their shareholdings on the Company’s Share Register;

check recent dividend payment details; and

download standard forms required to initiate changes in details held by the Registrar

by accessing AIB’s website at www.aibgroup.com, clicking on the ‘Check your Shareholding’ option, and following the 

on-screen instructions.When prompted, the Shareholder Reference Number (shown on the shareholder’s share certificate,

dividend counterfoil and personalised circulars) should be entered. Alternatively, this facility may be accessed via the 

Registrar’s website at www.computershare.com.

3. Payment of Dividends direct to a bank account

Ordinary Shareholders resident in Ireland or the UK may have their dividends paid by electronic transfer direct to a designated 

bank account, under advice from the Company of full details of the amounts so credited. Shareholders who wish to avail of 

this facility should contact the Registrar (see 2 above).

4. Dividend Reinvestment Plan - Ordinary Shareholders

The Company operates a Dividend Reinvestment Plan, under which shareholders are usually offered the right to elect to 

receive new shares in lieu of cash in respect of their dividends.

5. American Depositary Shares

American Depositary Shares provide US residents wishing to invest in overseas securities with a share certificate and dividend 

payment in a form familiar and convenient to them.

The Company’s ordinary share and non-cumulative preference share ADR programmes are administered by The Bank of 

New York - see address on page 133.

6. Dividend Reinvestment Plan - US ADR Holders

AIB’s ordinary share ADR holders who wish to re-invest their dividends may participate in The Bank of New York’s Global Buy

Direct program, details of which may be obtained from The Bank of New York at 1-800-943-9715.

7. Direct Deposit of Dividend Payments - US ADR Holders

Ordinary share ADR holders may elect to have their dividends deposited direct into a bank account through electronic funds 

transfer. Information concerning this service may be obtained from The Bank of New York at 1-888-269-2377.

129129

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

8. Dividend Withholding Tax (‘DWT’)

Note: The following information, which is given for the general guidance of shareholders, does not purport to be a definitive guide to relevant 
taxation provisions. It is based on the law and practice as provided for under Irish tax legislation. Shareholders should take professional advice 
if they are in any doubt about their individual tax positions. Further information concerning DWT may be obtained from:
DWT Section, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Government Offices, Nenagh, Co.Tipperary, Ireland.
Telephone: +353-67-33533. Facsimile: +353-67-33822. E-mail: infodwt@revenue.ie.

General
With certain exceptions, which include dividends received by non-resident shareholders who have furnished valid declaration
forms (see below), dividends paid by Irish resident companies are subject to DWT at the standard rate of income tax, currently
20%. DWT, where applicable, is deducted by the Bank from dividends paid in cash or as new shares issued under the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan (see 4 above).Therefore, Plan participants who are subject to DWT receive shares to the value of the dividend
after deduction of DWT.The following summarises the position in respect of different categories of shareholder:

A. Irish Resident Shareholders

– Individuals

DWT is deducted from dividends paid, whether in the form of cash or as new shares, to individuals resident in the 
Republic of Ireland for tax purposes. Individual shareholders are liable to Irish income tax on the amount of the dividend 
before deduction of DWT, and the DWT is available either for offset against their income tax liability, or for repayment,
where it exceeds the total income tax liability.

– Shareholders not liable to DWT

The following classes of shareholder who receive the dividend in a beneficial capacity are exempt from DWT, provided 
the shareholder furnishes a properly completed declaration, on a standard form (see below) to the Registrar, not less than 
three working days prior to the relevant dividend payment record date:

–  Companies resident in the Republic of Ireland for tax purposes;
–  Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trusts;
–  Exempt Approved Pension Schemes;
–  Collective Investment Undertakings;
–  Charities exempt from income tax on their income;
–  Athletic/amateur sports bodies whose income is exempt from income tax;
–  Designated stockbrokers receiving a dividend for the benefit of the holder of a Special Portfolio 

Investment Account (‘SPIA’);

–  Certain permanently incapacitated persons who are exempt from income tax; trusts established for the benefit of such
persons; and Thalidomide victims exempt from income tax in respect of income arising from the investment of certain
compensation payments.

Copies of the relevant declaration form may be obtained from the Company’s Registrar at the address shown at 2 above,
or from the Revenue Commissioners at the above address.
Once lodged with the Company’s Registrar, the declaration form remains current from its date of issue until 31 
December in the fifth year following the year of issue, or, within such period, until the exempt shareholder notifies the 
Registrar that entitlement to exemption is no longer applicable.Where DWT is deducted from dividends paid to 
a shareholder not liable to DWT, the shareholder may apply to the Revenue Commissioners, at the address shown above,
for a refund of the DWT so deducted.

– Qualifying Intermediaries (other than American Depositary Banks – see D below)

Dividends received by a shareholder who is a qualifying intermediary on behalf of a shareholder not liable to DWT may 
be received without deduction of DWT. A ‘qualifying intermediary’ is a person who receives dividends on behalf of a 
third party, is resident for tax purposes in the Republic of Ireland or in a relevant territory*, and:

*A ‘relevant territory’ means a member state of the European Communities, other than the Republic of Ireland, or a country with which the

Republic of Ireland has entered into a double taxation agreement.

130130

8. Dividend Withholding Tax (‘DWT’) (continued)

– holds a licence under the Central Bank Act, 1971, or a similar authorisation under the law of a relevant territory,

or is owned by a company which holds such a licence;

– is a member firm of the Irish Stock Exchange or of a recognised stock exchange in a relevant territory; or

– otherwise is, in the opinion of the Irish Revenue Commissioners, a person suitable to be a qualifying intermediary;

and who (a) enters into a qualifying intermediary agreement with the Irish Revenue Commissioners and (b) is 

authorised by them as a qualifying intermediary.

Information concerning the conditions to be satisfied by intending qualifying intermediaries may be obtained from 

the Irish Revenue Commissioners at the address shown above. A qualifying intermediary should ensure that it receives 

completed declarations from underlying shareholders eligible for DWT exemption, so as to be in a position to notify 

the Company’s Registrar, in advance of each dividend record payment date, of the extent to which the dividend 

payable to the qualifying intermediary is to be paid without deduction of DWT.

A shareholder wishing to ascertain whether an entity is a qualifying intermediary should contact the Irish Revenue 

Commissioners at the address shown above.

B. Shareholders not resident for tax purposes in the Republic of Ireland

The following categories of shareholder not resident for tax purposes in the Republic of Ireland may claim exemption 
from DWT, as outlined below:

(a) an individual who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland and who is resident for tax 

purposes in a relevant territory (as defined at * above);

(b) an unincorporated entity resident for tax purposes in a relevant territory;
(c) a company resident in a relevant territory and controlled by a non-Irish resident/residents;
(d) a company not resident in the Republic of Ireland and which is controlled by a person or persons resident for tax 

purposes in a relevant territory; or

(e) a company not resident in the Republic of Ireland, the principal class of whose shares are traded on a recognised 
stock exchange in a relevant territory or on such other stock exchange as may be approved by the Minister for 
Finance, including a company which is a 75% subsidiary of such a company;
or
a company not resident in the Republic of Ireland that is wholly-owned by two or more companies, each of 
whose principal class of shares is so traded.

To claim exemption, any such shareholder must furnish a valid declaration, on a standard form (available from the Irish 
Revenue Commissioners and from the Company’s Registrar), to the Registrar not less than three working days 
in advance of the relevant dividend payment record date, and:

– Categories (a) and (b) above: The declaration must be certified by the tax authority of the country in which the 

shareholder is resident for tax purposes.Where the shareholder is a trust, the declaration must be accompanied by 
(i) a certificate signed by the trustee(s) showing the name and address of each settlor and beneficiary; and (ii) a 
certificate from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, certifying that they have noted the information provided by 
the trustees.

– Categories (c), (d) and (e) above: The company’s auditor must certify the declaration. In addition, in the case of 

companies in category (c) above, the declaration must be certified by the tax authority of the country in which the 
shareholder is resident for tax purposes.

Dividends received by a shareholder who is a qualifying intermediary on behalf of a qualifying non-resident person may 
be received without deduction of DWT – see ‘Qualifying Intermediaries’ under ‘Irish Resident Shareholders’ at A above.

C. Dividend Statements

Each shareholder, including those receiving shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan, receives a statement showing 
the shareholder’s name and address, the dividend payment date, the amount of the dividend, and the amount of DWT,
if any, deducted. In accordance with the requirements of legislation, this information is also furnished to the Irish 
Revenue Commissioners.

131131

Additional information for shareholders (continued)

8. Dividend Withholding Tax (‘DWT’) (continued)

D. American Depositary Receipt (‘ADR’) Holders

An ADR holder whose address:

– on the register of ADRs maintained by AIB’s ADR programme administrator,The Bank of New York (‘BONY’), or 

– in the records of a further intermediary through which the dividend is paid 

is located in the United States of America is exempt from DWT, provided BONY or the intermediary concerned, as 

the case may be, satisfies certain conditions. In such circumstances, there is no requirement for the holder to make a 

declaration in order to obtain exemption from Irish DWT.

US Withholding Tax

Notwithstanding entitlement to exemption from Irish DWT, referred to above, ADR holders should note that, under provisions

introduced by the US Internal Revenue authorities, effective from 1 January, 2001, US-resident holders of ADRs may, in certain

circumstances, be liable to a US withholding tax on dividends received on such ADRs.This would arise, for example, where a

US resident, being the beneficial owner of ADRs issued by an overseas company, fails to provide the depositary bank - or,

where applicable, the Registered Broker - with a Form W-9 (tax certified document), showing, inter alia, the holder’s Social

Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Non-US residents holding ADRs are required to submit a Form 

W-8BEN to the depositary bank/Registered Broker, as appropriate, to become tax certified and to avoid US withholding tax.

ADR holders with queries in this regard should contact either (i) The Bank of New York, in the case of holders registered

direct with that institution – see address on page 133; (ii) the holder’s Registered Broker, where applicable; or (iii) the holder’s

financial/taxation adviser.

132132

Shareholding analysis

as at 31 December 2001

Size of shareholding

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 – over

Total

Geographical division

Republic of Ireland

Overseas

Total

Shareholder Accounts
%

Number

Number

13,600,303

103,821,878

102,635,294

107,007,400

559,625,140

Shares
%

1

12

12

12

63

39

41

15

5

–

100

886,690,015

100

61

39

328,075,305

558,614,710

100

886,690,015

37

63

100

36,809

37,991

13,865

4,340

348

93,353

57,398

35,955

93,353

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting:

Wednesday, 29 May 2002

Dividend payment dates – Ordinary Shares:

–

Second Interim Dividend 2001 - 26 April 2002

(Share Certificates posted to Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Participants - 2 May 2002)

–

Interim Dividend 2002 - 27 September 2002

Interim results:

Unaudited interim results for the half-year ending 

30 June 2002 will be announced on 31 July 2002.

Shareholder enquiries should be addressed to:

For holders of Ordinary Shares:
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Ltd.
Heron House
Corrig Road 
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Dublin 18
Ireland
Telephone +353 1 216 3100
Facsimile +353 1 216 3151
Website (for on-line shareholder enquiries):
www.aibgroup.com – click on ‘Check your
Shareholding’

or

www.computershare.com

For holders of ADRs in the United States:
The Bank of New York
Shareholder Relations
PO Box 11258
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10286-1258
USA
Telephone 1-888-BNY-ADRS

1-888-269-2377

Website: http://www.adrbny.com

or

Allfirst
Shareholder Relations
213 Market Street, PO Box 2961
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2961
Telephone 1-800-458 0348
Email: ann.l.kerman@allfirst.com

133133

Index

A

Accounting policies

Accounts

D

44

44

Dealing profits 

Debt securities 

Accounts in Sterling, US Dollars, etc.

124

Debt securities in issue 

Administrative expenses 

Amortisation of goodwill

Amounts (written back)/written off 

fixed asset investments 

Approval of accounts 

Associated undertakings 

58

59

59

120

75

Deferred taxation 

Deposit interest retention tax

Deposits by banks 

Depreciation

Derivatives 

Directors

Audit Committee

9 & 40

Directors’ interests  

Auditors

Auditors’ remuneration

Auditors’ report

38

62

Directors’ remuneration 

Dividend income 

122

Dividends

Average balance sheets and 

Divisional commentary

interest rates 

110

B

Balance sheet 

Business risk

E

Earnings per share 

50

27

Employees 

Equity shares 

Euro 

Exchange rates 

78

58

57

30

41

28

65

66

80

26

I

57 & 95

Intangible fixed assets

Integration costs

Interest payable

Interest rate sensitivity 

Internal control

70

83

84

57

81

59

34 & 93

L

Liquidity risk 

Loans and advances to banks 

Loans and advances to customers 

Long-term assurance business 

Ludwig report

M

Market risk

Minority interests  

25, 27 & 28

63 & 86

8

106

102

57

63

18

64

108

74

17 & 108

N

109

Nomination and Remuneration 

C

Exceptional foreign exchange 

Committee

9, 40 & 102

Capital management

24

dealing losses

12 & 58

Cash flow statement 

52 & 101

Central government bills 

Chairman’s statement

Class action

Commitments 

Contingent liabilities 

and commitments

Corporate Governance Statement

64

4

92

F

Fair value

108

Financial and other information 

Financial calendar

Financial highlights

Financial review

91

39

Credit risk 

25 & 67

Five year financial summary

Customer accounts  

82

Form 20-F

O

Operating review

Operational risk

Other interest receivable 

Other finance income

Other liabilities 

Other operating income 

Outlook

Own shares 

98

109

133

1

24

125

108

12

25 & 27

57

57

83

58

17

79

G

Group Chief Executive’s Review

10

134
134

P

Principal addresses

Profit and loss account

Profit and loss account reserves

Profit on disposal of business

Profit retained 

Provisions for bad and 

S

127

Securitised assets 

48

90

61

63

Segmental information  

Share capital

Share premium account 

Shareholder information

Shares in Group undertakings 

69

54

87

89

129

76

doubtful debts 

16 & 68

Social Affairs Committee

9 & 40

Provisions for liabilities 

Statement of Directors’

and charges 

84

Responsibilities

R

Reconciliation of movements 

in shareholders’ funds 

Report of the Directors

Reporting currency 

Repurchase of ordinary shares

Reserves 

Reserve capital instruments

Retirement benefits

Statement of total recognised gains 

and losses

Subordinated liabilities  

53

37

T

108

Tangible fixed assets  

Taxation 

Transactions with directors 

Turnover 

90

89

90

59

U

US reporting purposes – 

Supplementary Group 

financial information 

121

53

85

78

62

107

54

111

135135