Mr. Mark Fielding:

I do not have full figures on the international comparison, but we looked at the situation in the UK and the handling of cash there. AIB intends raising the charge to 45 cent per €100, but Barclays quotes a figure of 75 pence. However, it says this should not be taken as gospel. That is the red line figure, but individual banks will reduce that and we have seen a figure as low as 20 pence. Lloyds quotes a figure of 89 pence per £100, but that can be negotiated down and in many cases we have seen it at less than 15 pence. I do not have figures for across the EU, but I suppose it is something we should do.

With regard to transferring or switching from one bank to another, to be honest, one is as bad as the other. It is galling that we see notices being issued that banks are increasing these fees, but the note at the bottom of AIB's notice advises customers that they should be aware they have the right to close their account and move it to another bank. I am afraid this is not a great help to small businesses.