James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and I also welcome the Government's support and commitment to the post office network outlined.

I welcome any proposal that might bring new banking services and competition into Ireland. Clearly, we have a major problem with our banking system. We have a situation where we are clearly, with the pillar banks, running away from face-to-face interaction with customers. Everything is going online, which many people find challenging. They find that when they do not live in a large area, and even when they do, it is difficult to access the bank.

Others have mentioned the presence of Mr. Noel Kinahan in the Public Gallery. I, too, acknowledge his presence because Irish Rural Link has proposed to establish a new community bank in co-operation and partnership with Sparkassen community bank.