Union wants a forum to discuss the future of banking in Ireland

Discussion paper raises the lack of public trust within finance and the closure or downgrading of branches

The recent uncertainty highlights the importance of discussing this crucial sector, and how its future can be best planned for, the FSU said.

The Financial Services Union (FSU) is calling on the governments in the Republic and Northern Ireland to establish a forum to discuss the future of the banking and financial sectors.

It comes in the wake of the recent turmoil in the area which has seen a major scandal rock Davy, Ulster Bank announce their plans to depart from the Republic and plans by AIB and Bank of Ireland to slash the number of branches.