The decision announced earlier today by Ulster Bank to exit the Republic of Ireland market over the coming years raises very serious issues for the future of thousands of workers and the access to banking services for large numbers of customers of Ulster Bank.
It is now crucially important that the Government and the Central Bank as Regulator take all the necessary steps to ensure that worker's jobs are protected. It is vital that discussions are initiated immediately to ensure that TUPE regulations are applied in all circumstances.
It is also imperative that the potential sale of the bank's loan and mortgage books to vulture funds is impeded given the very serious implications this could have for customers and their families.
Congress will continue to fully support the Financial Services Union and SIPTU in their work to successfully secure these outcomes.
