Mr. Jim Brown:

Before I answer Senator Coghlan's two specific questions, I will comment on the bank branches. We are on record as saying that we will not close any more branches this year. We recognise the importance of a physical distribution network, hence the reason we enter into what we think is a very important relationship with An Post so that our customers have access not just to the 175 branches but now have access to another 1,100 outlets as well. I cannot say that we would never close any more branches further out into the future because it does depend on customers preferences and behaviour but what we can say is that we will respond to that and make as many points of presence available to our customers as we possibly can.

I will ask Mr. Bell to address the specific points.