I have no statutory function in relation to the opening of bank accounts and I have no plans to introduce legislation on this matter. The terms and conditions that apply to the opening of bank accounts are a commercial matter for the banks themselves, apart from the obligation on banks to know their customers under anti-money laundering legislation.
The Deputy might be interested to know that a minor must be at least seven years of age before he or she can open and operate a post office savings account without parental consent. Prior to this a post office savings account can be opened and operated by a parent-guardian on behalf of a minor under the age of seven.