The birth of a baby will suspend mortgage and loan repayments for borrowers for up to three months, Bank of Ireland announced yesterday as part of a `100 Steps to Better Banking' package unveiled yesterday. The `Babybreak' repayment holiday was introduced as a result of customer feedback which revealed the desire for the temporary respite, Mr Patrick Waldron, heading of marketing, said. Other changes being introduced include a recommendation that customers with large current accounts talk to their manager about investing their money. A bank official will also be available to call at their homes. Mr Waldron said the measures reflected the belief that satisfied customers increases loyalty and, ultimately, business.

"You cannot take the personal touch from banking. It is the foundation of banking," he said.

Bank of Ireland will also introduce simplified pricing structures, and the abolition of 21 service charges on current accounts, a reduction in loan approval times, and, for business customers, increased access to premium interest deposit accounts.