Almost two weeks on from its computer systems meltdown, RBS is still struggling to get back on track. It has advised Ulster Bank customers that it is making steady inroads to delays in its payments systems, but the pace of progress has been slower than it would have liked.

Stephen Hester, RBS Group chief executive, says: "I want to apologise to our Ulster Bank customers for the significant inconvenience caused by these technology problems. I recognise that being sorry is not enough; we believe we have fixed the initial problem and are now making inroads in catching up with the knock-on effects to our customers in Ulster Bank. My colleagues and I are fully committed in support of our Board, management and staff in Ireland who have been tireless in their efforts to support our customers. We recognise that we are important to Ireland. And Ireland is important to us. We have been steadfast in supporting customers in Ulster Bank through the financial crisis, maintaining a full banking service as others have left the banking market. We will continue to meet our responsibilities and ensure we restore normal support to our customers."

Hester added that “a full and detailed investigation into the causes of the problem, overseen by independent experts” will take place once critical system recovery tasks are completed. “We will publish relevant findings from this investigation in due course. In the meantime, our priority is helping our customers and restoring a dependable banking platform on the island of Ireland,” he said.

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