It's reported this morning Bank of Ireland has been carrying out research on ways to get homeowners to give up their tracker mortgages.

Consumer groups have accused the Bank of engaging in a dirty tricks campaign.

According to the Irish Independent Pollsters Red C have carried out research on behalf of the bank to see what might encourage tracker mortgage holders to move off their product, which has a very favourable interest rate.

It's estimated Bank of Ireland has around 80,000 residential mortgages on a tracker rate.

Central Bank rules mean banks are supposed to act in the best interests of consumers.