Banking Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 March 2021

Thursday, 11 March 2021

Ceisteanna (54)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 4 March 2021, if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns of communities throughout the country regarding the decision of a bank (details supplied) given that these drastic measures are being taken during a pandemic when families and communities face many difficulties; if the bank will reconsider the decisions announced at the beginning of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13813/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

The response to the Deputy's parliamentary question which I answered on 4th March still stands.

One point I wish to re-emphasise is the fact that Bank of Ireland has confirmed that no branch will close for six months.

In its announcement, Bank of Ireland acknowledged that it accepts that news of its branch closures will cause concern for some customers, and for the communities that it serves. The bank has commented in this regard that the six month moratorium on closures will allow it to ensure the An Post partnership is up and running before any branches close, and gives it time to communicate fully with all its impacted customers about every option available to them online, in a nearby BOI branch, or at a local post office.