Mr. Bernard Sheridan:

There is no doubt that the way forward will be less cash, more electronic services and more cards, but I share the concern expressed by the Deputy. We cannot leave people behind in that regard. We cannot become a cashless society. We need to use less cash but we must cater for those who still use cash, particularly those vulnerable groups, perhaps by maintaining a branch network. If there was no branch network, could we work through post offices and so on? For the younger age groups the drive is towards more electronic means, but I share the Deputy's concerns.