THIS WEEK, WE reported on the news that Merrill Lynch underestimated the costs of the bank bailout by €47bn in a 2008 report for the then government.

The documents (links below), released to Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty under freedom of information, show a presentation and briefing document prepared for the Department of Finance and the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) in October and November 2008.

They show the low estimate itself, as well as various options that were considered to deal with the banking crisis.

Read: Merrill Lynch presentation to Department of Finance November 2008>

Read: Merrill Lynch presentation to National Treasury Management Agency October 2008>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More