The Finance Minister says he can't overrule the decision of Bank of Ireland to close dozens of branches across the country despite having a minority shareholding in the bank.
88 branches in the Republic are due to shut with the first closing its doors in September.
It comes as Cork TD Pat Buckley is to host an online public meeting next Tuesday March 9th at 7pm where calls will be made for branches in Cobh, Youghal and Mitchelstown to stay open.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says his hands are tied.
"As Minister for Finance, I cannot mandate or overrule the internal decision making process in any bank, even one in which the State has a shareholding, and in this case a minority shareholding.
"Decisions in this regard are a commercial matter, and the sole responsibility of the board of management of the banks, which are run on an independent and commercial basis."
