Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that work is under way in my Department on these specific recommendations and the heads of a Bill on access to cash are currently being prepared. We will need to decide what level of access to cash it is appropriate to protect. I recognise it is an important issue for communities and small businesses and for ordinary citizens. We also intend to ensure automatic teller machine, ATM, operators are authorised and supervised by the Central Bank and to provide it with the responsibility and powers to protect the resilience of the cash system. The area of ATMs is in need of further regulation. Often we find many of them are out of order for prolonged periods and it can be difficult for people to access cash. Many towns have only one or two machines and they could both be out of order at the same time, for days on end. Such issues affect people on the ground and should be dealt with. It is my intention that this will be a practical Bill. I will consult widely with Members across the House to hear what they have to say and to ensure access to cash is protected for people who choose that option. Not everyone does, but many people still do.

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