John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I fully realise that the Minister of State's hands are tied and I know he would do his utmost to address this matter if he could. While Allied Irish Bank may be getting leaner, it is certainly getting meaner. Its lack of ability to engage with its customers in this case must be noted. I am baffled as to how it could be economically and commercially viable to close a bank branch in Portarlington, which has a population of 8,000. I assure the Minister of State that the alternative provisions the bank is saying it is making available nearby in Monasterevin and Kildare represent an appalling effort.

Many of the business owners in Portarlington, in particular, are considering moving their business and accounts en masse, lock, stock and barrel, to an alternative bank. I would not blame them for doing so. I hope the bank will at least have the courtesy to engage with its customers on the very serious security and safety issues associated with cash transfer the lack of night-safe facilities. Those concerned admit they will have to drive 20 km to AIB branches elsewhere. I hope this does not expose any businesspeople to a security risk or place additional strain on the local post offices. I thank the Minister of State for his concern and the decency of his reply.