Meeting with Conor Murphy, Finance Minister in Northern Ireland described as positive and constructive by the Financial Services Union.

The FSU have described a meeting held today with the Minister for Finance in Northern Ireland, Conor Murphy MLA as positive and constructive. The meeting was due to discuss the establishment of a Banking Forum in Northern Ireland, but discussion also took place around the recent announcements by Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland.

Commenting after the meeting John O’Connell, General Secretary of the FSU said:

“We welcome today’s meeting and want to thank the Minister for creating the time in his schedule.

Recent announcements by Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland have brought into sharp focus the need for a banking forum involving all relevant stakeholders. The FSU are delighted to secure the support of Conor Murphy, Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland for this initiative. It is our intention to publish a discussion document next week and invite debate on the issue.

We also appreciate the Ministers backing for our call on Banks to reconsider their stated plans for branch closures. Now is not the time to close branches and withdraw vital services from people and communities” concluded Mr O’Connell.

ENDS