Mr. Ed Sibley:

We have touched on the broader question of the culture in the banks and can go into it further if the Senator wishes. The issue of the approach banks are taking to their branch networks is not specific to Ireland but can be seen across Europe and globally. Branch networks are retreating and this is problematic from the perspective of financial inclusion. Some banks have chosen to withdraw altogether and there are branch closures in certain areas, leaving those areas underbanked. Others are taking cash out of branches and the branches serve more as sales vehicles than traditional bank branches. One can understand the cost drivers associated with these moves but the Senator is right to ask how this works alongside a bank's customer-centric approach. We think of this in the context of the credit union sector and the importance of that sector from the perspective of financial inclusion outside the large conurbations. The situation is a cause of concern.