Credit unions have proposed investing €8.5bn of members’ deposits into a fund to develop social housing.

Last week’s €3bn Budget giveaway means the Government looks set to fall foul of European authorities who have stridently warned of the dangers of a fiscal bonanza.

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has announced a €50m equipment, machinery and vehicle finance programme through specialist SME lender Finance Ireland.

The move by Bank of Ireland to restrict over-the-counter cash withdrawals and lodgements is just one of the many ways that banking customers have lost out over the last few years.

All of the Irish banks have been busy chopping the products and services they provide to customers – as well as making many of them more expensive.

Lower mortgage rates have pushed down the cost of owning and running a family home.

It now sets a family back €16,200 to fund the day-to-day running of a home, according to calculations by AA Ireland.

Bank of Ireland has caved in to public pressure following a public outcry over its plans to heavily restrict cash transactions in its branches.

Ireland will be the EU’s fastest-growing economy this year and next, the European Commission has predicted.

Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has announced that it has received regulatory approval from the EU for plans to start repaying part of its €21bn taxpayer bailout.

Q: I have read recently that one cent and two cent coins will be gone from October 28. Do I have to change all my shelf prices?

The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has announced a €50m equipment, machinery and vehicle finance programme through specialist SME lender Finance Ireland.