Mr. Liam McLoughlin:

The role and purpose of the branch is changing quite dramatically. Branch offices are becoming business development hubs. Staff are coming from behind the counter to the front of the branch and engaging with communities through enterprise town initiatives. Bank of Ireland will run 130 such initiatives this year. In 2008, the bank had 16,000 staff. In 2011, the bank had 11,000 and it has the same number today. There is no forecast in terms of what will happen in the future. The primary role and purpose of the branch is changing and is much more about supporting and facilitating communities to thrive.