Minister's 'copy and paste' response to Tipperary bank closures 'totally unacceptable'

A Tipperary councillor has slated a reply from the Minister for Finance to Tipperary County Council’s concern over bank closures in towns and villages.

Cahir councillor Andy Moloney has hit out at Minister Pascal Donohoe’s response as a “copy and paste” reply that was totally unacceptable.

“We are into the silly season again,” the Independent councillor told a meeting of Tipperary County Council in Nenagh.

The council had earlier written to Minister Donohoe asking for an assurance that no town in Tipperary would be left without a bank with all services.

A reply from the Minister’s private secretary stated that the minister expected firms to take a consumer-focused approach in respect of any decision that affects their customers.

The letter said – “Branch closures are always a matter of regret, and it is the hope of the Minister that closures are kept to the minimum necessary for financial sustainability. Where there are branch closures, the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code must be complied with. Requirements include immediate notification to the Central Bank, at least two months’ notice to affected consumers and either ensuring all branch business is properly completed prior to closure or informing as to how continuity of service will be provided”.

And the Minister added in his reply – “It is noted, for example, that AIB and Bank of Ireland customers can now lodge and withdraw money at over 900 An Post offices across the country”.

NOT PROPERLY EQUIPPED

Cllr Moloney was not happy with that response and received the support of the council to write to the Minister again on the issue.

He claimed that post offices were not now equipped to deal with the extra load imposed on them by bank closures.

“In Cahir, during the recent frosty weather, people were queuing outside the door. No effort has been made since Bank of Ireland left the town and now they want to put AIB services in there as well.

“We are not equipped in our post offices for the extra work. We also made a strong case in relation to tourists, with the need for ATMs so that people can have cash in their pockets to spend in the local shops.

“The Minister has not addressed this local issue, he has addressed the national issue. We want clarification on what we first asked for, that no town in Tipperary is left without at least one financial institution. I am not happy with this reply and we need to write to him again to see will he guarantee this.

“The first sign you see in AIB is that they are transferring services to An Post. They are buying time but we are not buying into this,” he stated.

It was agreed that the council write to Minister Donohoe again on the issue.