18 March 2020 – Reduced capital buffer for banks

Level of Jurisdiction: National

Overview: The Central Bank reduced the Countercyclical Capital Buffer from 1 percent to 0 percent.

The buffer determines how much capital banks and investment first must hold. It varies over time, and is increased during cyclical upturns and decreased during downturns.

This decision is intended to free up bank capital that can be used to provide credit, and to restructure and extend the loans of bank customers, both individuals and small to medium enterprises.

The Central Bank estimates that reduction of the buffer will free up over €1 billion of bank capital, which has the potential to support approximately €13 billion lending.
Full details here: https://www.gov.ie/en/news/878d4d-wednesdminister-donohoe-outlines-further-measures-to-support-individ/