Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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153. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the decision of Bank of Ireland to place restrictions on the limits of cash transactions in its branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41181/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that I, in my role as Minister for Finance, have no direct function in the relationship between the banks and their customers. I have no statutory function in relation to the commercial  decisions made by individual institutions at any particular time and these are taken by the board and management of the relevant institution.

Notwithstanding this, I have expressed my dissatisfaction in relation to the recent changes that Bank of Ireland intends to implement. I have made a public statement in this regard the full text of which is:

The changes announced by Bank of Ireland today around in-branch lodgements and withdrawals is a commercial decision for the bank. However, I consider these changes surprising and unnecessary. I note that the bank have given a commitment to assist more vulnerable customers in their branches. I expect the bank to fully honour this commitment and ensure that customers will be facilitated through the existing arrangements where required. I would welcome a clarification form Bank of Ireland on the issue.

Following this, Bank of Ireland made the following press statement:

Bank of Ireland has always worked to support the evolving banking needs of our customers, developing online and telephone banking services to complement our nationwide branch network. Bank of Ireland also continues to maintain the most extensive network of branches in Ireland, whilst competitors have reduced and continue to reduce their branch footprint.

In addition, the Bank has always worked to support the needs of our diverse customer base including vulnerable customers.

Bank of Ireland would like to confirm that vulnerable customers, together with those elderly customers who are not comfortable using self-service channels or other technology solutions, will be assisted by branch staff to use the available in-branch services.