Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the first part of my contribution I outlined the position from the banking perspective. Deputy Byrne accepted that the Minister for Finance cannot interfere in the closure of bank branches. Deputy Byrne is an experienced public representative. I have encountered the phenomenon in my constituency and I understand the fear to which she referred. Such fear and concern is real. People could decide to withdraw their money. I appeal to Deputy Byrne to tell her constituents that it is not a good idea to take their money out of a bank and put it under the mattress or elsewhere in their home, because people with cash are often robbed or attacked in their home. The banks should deal with customers individually. The Minister for Finance will impress on the banks the need to address the concerns of customers. If people in an area have become fearful due to the closure of a bank branch the bank has a responsibility to allay their fears. It is important that banks deal with the issue.

Deputy Byrne has made a strong case on the human aspect of the closure of branches of Ulster Bank. I will relay the matter to the Minister so that he can express those concerns to the banks and to ask them to deal with the concerns of individuals, who might withdraw their money for fear that the bank will close. We have witnessed the closure of bank branches in rural communities in particular and people have adjusted to the situation in time. I accept that they need help and support. Deputy Byrne, as a concerned public representative, has brought their pain to the attention of the Oireachtas. We cannot interfere but we will certainly help to allay people's fears.

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