AIB is now the second major bank to create an online computer shopping service with the launch of its "ireland at home" Website.

The new service not only offers a shopping facility with secure payments by AIB credit card, but a wider Web site that includes local news, politics and sporting developments supplied by The Irish Times Electronic Publishing Division. RTE will provide audio and visual merchandise and will also supply, up to the minute world news. Participating stores include Arnotts, Golf Ireland, Brown Thomas, Eason, Golden Discs, Gael Linn, Avoca Handweavers, Bewley's, Wrights of Howth and Blarney Woollen Mills.

Bank of Ireland launched its electronic shopping mall just before Christmas with a similar secure credit card payment method. Outlets include Clerys, the Guinness Shop, Budget Travel and House of Ireland.

The AIB "ireland at home" Web address is: (www.irelandathome.ie).