Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will contact a bank (details supplied) to retain its ATMs at its branches in Arva and Cootehill in County Cavan and if it will consider introducing an ATM in Carrickmacross, which were all announced for closure last week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16896/17]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to enforce the introduction of permanent ATMs in circumstances in which a bank has closed its branch in a small town which has been left with no banking facility and no ATM for withdrawing money; his views on the impact the closure of a bank and ATM has on a town or village; the action he will take to support these towns by way of legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16966/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 130 together.

I should say at the outset that I note with regret that Ulster Bank is closing a significant number of branches with considerable negative impacts on both staff and customers alike. 

However, I should stress that the Irish Government has no formal role in the commercial decisions of Ulster Bank, or any other bank, as to their future business model. This is a matter for the Board and Management of a bank itself.

The recent Ulster Bank closures are a response to changing ways of banking due to less use of cash, increased use of technology and corresponding reduced visits to branches. That said, I expect that Ulster Bank will do everything that it can to mitigate the impacts of these branch closures on local communities, including technology and the use of alternative means of service delivery.  I also expect that the bank will ensure that customers are kept informed about developments and provided with the appropriate assistance to move branches, switch to other banks and avail of alternative means of accessing financial services. The Central Bank will also have a role in ensuring that consumer protection rules are followed.

I understand from discussions with officials in Ulster Bank that their current intention is to retain an ATM at Arva and Cootehill, County Cavan, while Carrickmacross, County Monaghan will be served by a Mobile Bank which will operate in that area. In all locations Ulster Bank are committed to working with the local community to ensure a service is maintained.

Finally, the continued presence of a viable and active Ulster Bank in the Irish market will be important in fostering competition for banking services. It is vital that businesses and consumers have a range of banking options available when using financial services and accessing credit and that they continually assess their options to ensure that they are getting the best value and service possible.