Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister is aware, there are widespread concerns in many communities about the statement by NatWest that it is considering all strategic options in the future of Ulster Bank. Ulster Bank has 88 branches in our State, it has more than 2,500 employees and it has a substantial presence in the Border region, particularly in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, with three branches in County Cavan and one in Monaghan. It has been an integral part of Irish commercial life and it has been trading in our country for almost 200 years. Any thought of the closure of this bank and its branch network would be devastating for so many communities and for the employees of the bank as well.

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