The number of banking transactions conducted continues to grow according to data released by the Irish Bankers' Federation.

Banking Industry Statistics revealed that 105 million ATM transactions with a value of £5.7 billion (€8.14 billion) were conducted here in 1998, compared to 44 million worth £2 billion in 1991.

Last year, 47 million credit card transactions took place valued at £2.7 billion versus 18 million with a £0.8 billion value in 1991.

Laser cards also proved popular with some 600,000 used for nearly 2.4 million transactions in December 1998. The scheme was introduced in April 1996.