EBS deposit a/c - links with AIB a/cs?

Query about EBS deposit account on behalf of friend in financial difficulty:

Friend is soon to receive cheque as part payment in advance for work to be completed over several months, and needs to live on those funds for that time. Does not want to lodge this cheque to her current a/c as has c/c on token payments with same bank till she can clear it (next year), and is afraid full c/c balance might be taken immediately, leaving her in deep mire.

Wants to open Instant Access deposit a/c to lodge cheque, draw for living expenses and lodge to current a/c as needed, and favours EBS Instant Access as it still gives passbook and does not oblige customer to operate online-only (ptsb told her their demand a/cs are online-only now). BUT she also has an AIB c/c balance on token payments for the next 6 months, and wonders since EBS and AIB merged, is there any risk her AIB c/c balance could be taken from an EBS a/c?

If someone can clarify, many thanks!

Just to clarify, are concerned that the bank will automatically take deposits to pay debt?

This does sometimes happen. I think I have read that this can also happen from one bank (debt) to a different bank (deposits).

Obviously, the greatest risk of netting occurs inside the same bank.

EBS and AIB are integrating their systems at the moment, in some area's.

You might be wisest keeping the deposits and debt in segregated banks where netting is far less likely to occur.

Thanks for that, Ciaran, I thought so re EBS & AIB & will pass it on.
Am surprised though that there is also a risk of funds on deposit in one bank being accessed by a completely unconnected bank where there is debt?! How could that come about, do you know?