Mr. Liam McLoughlin:

They all offer advice and self-service facilities. As far as I am aware, there is no new branch being opened or planned where we will offer over-the-counter services, but all are being set up with business advisers included. An important part of their role will be increasing growth in the lending of €3.4 billion into the economy. We have the capital and want the number to rise. We find that nowadays there is also a greater need for the giving to customers of face-to-face investment management or pension advice. That will be the role of branch staff, as opposed to transacting payments on accounts where there are better alternatives available to suit the needs of most customers.

We put in place arrangements for vulnerable customers, of whom there are some. Our experience has been that the vast majority of elderly customers are very proficient at using digital technology and devices, do not have issues with using them and quite like the privacy offered and the security of using lodgement ATMs. However, there are some vulnerable customers, for whom we have arrangements in place. As part of the change programme, we contacted over 10,000 of them to talk them through the changes. As I have called out, there are issues which we have not fully resolved. I have given a few examples. Coin use is still a challenge for us and we are trying to see what we can do to help in that regard, but we are investing to make progress. We will spend €10 million before the end of the year to make sure over 80% of our branches will have external lodgement ATMs. Therefore, customers will effectively have extended opening hours - banking 24/7 - as opposed to six hours per working day during the week. That is the journey.

I appreciate the feedback on Mr. Gavin Leech and Mr. Karl Manning and will pass it on.