asked the Minister for Finance if he will reach agreement with the commercial banks to adjust the hours of public business to enable those who are employed to avail of the period during which banks are open to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Banks' Hours of Business.
15.
The Irish Banks' Standing Committee have indicated that there is no general demand for a change in banking hours. I may say also that no representations have been made to my Department. I understand, however, that the matter is being kept under review by the banks.
Would the Minister not agree that many employees are paid by cheque and that when they leave their places of employment the banks are closed to them? Would he not consider it desirable to intimate to the commercial banks that they might remain closed on a certain morning and have a late opening period on, say, Fridays so as to facilitate people who wish to cash their cheques? Further, I would make the point that the commercial banks are not doing the business they anticipated and that, if they were prepared to accept the principles enshrined in the question, there might be advantage to the banks as well as to the people wishing to cash their cheques.
I would point out to the Deputy that the banks have a late opening on one day in the week. This day varies from place to place. Also, they have taken certain steps in an effort to overcome the difficulty mentioned by the Deputy. There is no indication of a general demand for a change in the banking hours but this matter is being kept under review.
I have asked the question because the people whom I represent requested me to do so.
I am calling Question No. 16.
This is a very important matter for everybody concerned.