Sir, - Recently I needed to purchase £35 sterling and went to my local AIB branch to do so. The total charge was just over £45, but when I offered an AIB cheque in payment this was refused. The explanation given was that the account was not in that branch. I then offered an AIB laser card and this too was refused. In succession I offered to pay by AIB Visa card debit slip and finally direct debit. All were refused. Having no cash, I left empty-handed.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of this experience is that the so-called "retail banks" expect shops and other retailers to offer "cash-back" to customers, whilst refusing to do so themselves. No doubt AIB will say it is not alone in implementing these policies. This may be so but I am sick of hearing from Irish banks about their commitment to improved services for their customers.
For "improved products and enhanced services" read "improved profits and enhanced salaries for directors". It is high time we got a decent service from these institutions, which appear to have a licence to print money for themselves. - Yours, etc.,
Terence Lilburn, Mount St Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14.