Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes, a supplementary question. Further to Deputy Mulherin's question, as the Central Bank is pushing towards a cashless society and as more moneys, including social welfare moneys, are lodged to bank accounts, can the Minister of State explain to the House the obstacles to An Post providing banking services and, in particular, every post office having an ATM, not just inside it, but one that is accessible to the community through the weekend as well? Many communities do not have an ATM, which is now a real hindrance as people carry less cash for a variety of reasons. The Minister of State mentioned the Wild Atlantic Way. I made a submission to the group with regard to tourist information offices. It is not only on the Wild Atlantic Way that we need tourist information and post offices are ideally equipped to provide tourist information, both on a national basis and information that is particular to the locality. Maybe they could charge commission for some tourist services. Is there an obstacle to that? What is the obstacle to a greater array of banking services being provided by post offices?

See this speech in context