Taoiseach Micheal Martin asks "AIB to reconsider decision to make 70 branches cashless"

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said banks should consider loyal older customers before they remove services after AIB said it was going cashless in 70 branches.

Speaking as he touched down in Singapore, Mr Martin said banks have obligations and a "social contract" with their customers especially those from different generations.

He said: "We are moving towards a more cashless society. But that said there are significant cohorts of people, businesses and towns across Ireland who need this facility. And I do believe the banks should take notice of this. And certainly we will engage with the banks on that.

"They ought to take into account those who have shown loyalty, in my opinion. Some clients have remained with the bank over the years, especially older generations. Additionally, I believe that economics frequently play a role. And I do think they ought to pause and think again about how big a deal they're making of things."

The action by AIB has been met with a ferocious backlash, particularly in rural areas, at the time of Mr. Martin's remarks.

Michael Ring, a TD for Fine Gael, has requested that bank representatives appear before the Finance Committee to defend their choice.

"This recent action by AIB to halt cash facilities at 70 branches, the most of which are in rural villages like my own, flies in the face of fundamental decency and has rightfully created indignation among the people in the affected counties," he added.

In rural locations, there are a lot of vulnerable clients who do not have the digital literacy to handle their banking online, as well as businesses that would prefer to deal in cash.

"On top of other bank closures that have taken place recently, branches in Ballinrobe and Claremorris in my own county will stop offering cash, ATM, and check services.

"I now demand AIB appear before the Oireachtas Finance Committee and explain the basis for this decision, as well as what their future plans are and whether they intend to withdraw or discontinue services at further branches," the lawmaker said.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association had before claimed that AIB was disrespecting its clients.

"Bank branches in rural Ireland have grown few and far between in recent years, generating all sorts of issues, but doing away with basic check processing, cash, and ATM services in the ones that do remain open is pushing things too far," ICSA president Dermot Kelleher said. Now, the question of why a bank exists emerges.

Saying that the average client can handle their banking needs online is all very well. This is not the case, though, for those who are self-employed or seeking to manage their own enterprises because they frequently need to deposit checks as well as use other banking services that involve sizable sums of money and are not always offered online.

"While An Post offers cheque lodging facilities, this is only available in some branches and the list is very hit and miss.”