Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the decision by the Danish owned National Irish Bank to close 25 branches and businesses here leaving many communities financially stranded and isolated and if he will have the relevant authorities at his disposal examine the background to this decision. [48066/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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While I regret the closure of any bank branches the Deputy will no doubt appreciate that the provision of services by banks, including the location of branches, is a commercial decision for the banks. The Deputy might wish to note that there is a provision in the Financial Regulators Consumer Protection Code which imposes certain obligations on banks who have decided to close or move a branch in a given location. The relevant provision states:

"Where a credit institution plans to close or move a branch it must inform affected consumers in writing at least 3 months in advance and advise the Financial Regulator immediately thereof. The wider local community should also be informed, in advance, through notification in the local press."

This advance notification requirement is designed to give existing consumers the necessary time to choose another credit institution.