Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Rural Independent Group. I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on the motion it has brought forward. Most days here, we discuss real and profound issues such as the crisis in housing, the cost-of-living crisis and the crisis in health but, to many people, this motion is just as important because many vulnerable people have no other option but to make transactions and pay for services with cash. That is why I support this excellent Private Member's motion today. I am a proud member of St Vincent's hurling and football club in Cork. I have been a GAA person all my life. My family is steeped in GAA tradition. I was very disappointed by the GAA's decision to go cashless.

During the pandemic the argument was that everyone accepted it during the pandemic because it was a public health issue but when we came out of it, the GAA should have gone back to its roots. My dad would go to a lot of games. Sometimes I would go with my wife, my brothers-in-law or my nephews. We would get the tickets for my dad but there are a lot of people out there who do not have family members to get tickets and they stayed away. I am really disappointed in the association. The Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the greatest organisations ever to come from this island and I am proud to be a member. It is about time it rowed back and respected everyone within the association and if it wants to go cashless or pay cash, that should be the members' or supporters' choice. That should apply right across the board with all sport and with all events. One should not be blocking people from having access to facilities, services or events.

A number of Deputies spoke about vulnerable people, older people, people on low incomes and people who might have literacy problems. People need to be included, not excluded, and that is what this motion would do.

The Government needs to act now rather than talking about waiting for something down the road. People need to know now that cash is legal tender and that they have a right. If they want to pay by cash, that is their right. I do not accept businesses or services, in particular, banks, telling people that they do not have that right. AIB learnt its lesson and it is now time for the Government to act.

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