Update on Bank of Ireland Pension Review

Bank of Ireland has been reviewing the Defined Benefits Pension Schemes to which the Bank and certain of its subsidiaries act as sponsor. This review has also involved an extensive process of communication and consultation with the members of the schemes and other relevant stakeholders.

The objectives of this review have been to eliminate the IAS 19 deficits on the defined benefits schemes which totalled €1.6bn at 31 December 2009 whilst continuing to sponsor competitive pension arrangements and benefits and secure the future of the schemes.

Bank of Ireland has completed this review and a shared solution to addressing the deficit, involving the members of the schemes and the Bank and its subsidiaries as sponsors, has been developed. This shared solution has been accepted by the Bank and is supported by the principal Trade Union representing unionised staff in the Group, following its recommendation by an independent third party Chairman.

The proposals involve members agreeing to some changes to the schemes, primarily involving future pension increases and how future salary increases qualify for pension which together would eliminate approximately 50% of the 31 December 2009 IAS 19 deficit. If such proposals are agreed, the Bank and its subsidiaries will increase their cash contributions, above existing cash contributions, to the schemes so as to eliminate the 50% balance of the 31 December 2009 IAS 19 deficit over approximately 6 years. These proposals would be income positive for the Group.

The process of communicating the outcome of this review to members has commenced today.

Ends

7 April 2010

For further information please contact:

Helen Nolan
Group Secretary
Tel: + 353 1 604 3400

Geraldine Deighan
Head of Group Investor Relations
Tel: + 353 1 604 3501

Dan Loughrey
Head of Group Communications
Tel: + 353 1 604 3833