John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will read the last paragraph of my statement into the record before responding directly. The bank has advised that the implementation of any change takes place on a phased basis in branches with a two-month period for comprehensive customer notification. Bank of Ireland has commented that it has a dedicated team committed to supporting vulnerable and elderly customers that provides additional support in the use of its digital and self-service options.

I acknowledge the Deputy's point about rural Ireland. I am surprised that we got a response to a Topical Issue debate from a commercial institution. There is a broader question about how we keep services in rural Ireland, whether that be via credit unions or post offices. Many have closed but, thankfully, many are still open. I believe the Government is actively considering how to create solutions in rural towns like those that the Deputy mentioned. Maybe I am wrong, but I understand that other financial institutions are in some of the towns in question, for example, Strokestown. In my county of Kilkenny, some of the mid-sized towns used to have both of the traditional main banks. In most cases now, however, one might be all that they have.

In some places there is no financial institution, which is a broader problem that must and will be addressed.

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