AIB says debit cards are now operating normally at ATM machines, including non-AIB ATM's.

It follows technical problem which left AIB customers unable to withdraw cash from the ATM machines of other banks.

The issue affected thousands of people over the past three days.

However, AIB says it is continuing to monitor the situation very closely. 

Meanwhile, the problem comes with just two full shopping days left before Christmas.

Retailers say trade has been down over the past few days - because of the bad weather, but it expects business to pick up with last minute shoppers on Christmas eve.