Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017
47. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Finance the contingency plans in place to counteract the negative effects on rural communities brought on by the latest closures of banks (details supplied) in County Donegal and across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16246/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the industrial relations situation in a bank (details supplied), with particular reference to the negotiations with porters and the plan to close branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16448/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on discussions he has had with a bank (details supplied) recently. [16417/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the concerns of those affected by the closures of branches of a bank (details supplied) in Arva, Cootehill and Carrickmacross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposed closures of bank branches announced by a bank (details supplied); his plans to put in place alternative provision of financial services to rural areas which have been deprived of their bank branches and post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 48, 58, 84 and 229 together.
I should say at the outset that I note with regret that Ulster Bank is closing a significant number of branches with considerable negative impacts on both staff and customers alike.
Officials from the bank in question briefed officials in my Department during the week of the announcement. The information was provided under embargo in order to allow management in the bank inform staff and staff representatives of the proposals in advance of a public announcement. I should stress that the bank officials were providing information about decisions already taken and this was not a consultation in advance of decisions being taken.
I fully appreciate that the decision taken by the bank will be keenly felt in the locations concerned, both by staff and customers. It is my understanding that the bank has been consulting with staff representatives and hopes that the necessary staff reductions can be achieved on a voluntary basis by agreement. I would urge both sides to work together to achieve agreement and to utilise the resources of the State industrial relations apparatus to do this if necessary.
I should stress that the Irish Government has no formal role in the commercial decisions of Ulster Bank, these are a matter for the Board and Management of the Bank and its parent company, RBS.
The closures are a response to changing ways of banking due to less use of cash, increased use of technology and corresponding reduced visits to branches. That said, I expect that Ulster Bank will do everything that it can to mitigate the impacts of these branch closures on local communities, including technology and the use of alternative means of service delivery. I also expect that the bank will ensure that customers are kept informed about developments and provided with the appropriate assistance to move branches, switch to other banks and avail of alternative means of accessing financial services. The Central Bank will also have a role in ensuring that consumer protection rules are followed. The continued presence of a viable and active Ulster Bank in the Irish market will be important in fostering competition for banking services. It is vital that businesses and consumers have a range of banking options available when using financial services and accessing credit and that they continually assess their options to ensure that they are getting the best value and service possible.
