Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to have discussions with the banking sector on the provision of additional financial services through An Post, in view of the concerns in rural communities wherein bank branches are closing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19081/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I should stress at the outset that the Irish Government has no formal role in the commercial decisions of the banks as to their future business model and whether or not they will close particular branches. This is a matter for the Board and Management of the bank itself.

That said, I expect that any bank closing branches will do everything that it can to mitigate the impacts of the 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.

In the context of the recently announced closures, I understand that Ulster Bank intends extending its services with An Post to include cash and cheque lodgements for personal and business customers where the bank is closing branches.