Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this very important issue and I thank the Rural Independent Group for tabling it. I support the motion's calls to ensure that the use of digital payment methods is voluntary and not mandatory, and to instruct all banks that operate in this jurisdiction to provide access to cash for all communities.

There is a societal demand for cash and there is no doubt about this. We saw evidence of this last summer when AIB announced its decision to go cashless. There was such significant backlash from the public that AIB was forced to reverse the decision swiftly. As I said at the time, this was an action that prioritised shareholders over the public. It showed that AIB does not care about the public or local businesses which rely on cash. AIB is not a loss-making business. Its attempt to go cashless was a clear attempt to make even more profit for its shareholders. Unfortunately, due to the banks' profit-driven model, I do not believe that this will be the last time a bank attempts to go cashless. It is for this reason that we need to put measures in place to stop this. The Government is not a neutral observer. It needs to be proactive in this and ensure legislation is in place to stop a move to cashless.

Society is becoming increasingly cashless, with contactless payments becoming increasingly popular. We can accept this while, at the same time, ensuring that cash is still an option. It is not acceptable to have fully cashless venues or businesses as it severely disadvantages some cohorts more than others, particularly senior citizens, young people, those on low incomes and homeless people. Cashless venues such as the 3Arena have made it very difficult for people without a card and those who would rather not use their card to access the same services as everyone else. This is unfair and discriminatory. Cash is legal tender and venues and businesses should be obliged to accept it.

I was particularly disappointed with the GAA's move to an online-centric ticket system. This has severely impacted many older people in particular, some who have been avid fans for many years. Having to buy a ticket online in advance is a nightmare. It requires people not only to have a bank account but also to have a computer and Internet access. This is particularly difficult for those of us living in rural Ireland with very weak broadband connections. The fibre broadband roll-out may seem like something of the past for those here in the capital but there are still many areas in my constituency of Donegal that have serious connection issues and will not be getting fibre broadband until 2025 or 2026. This in itself is unacceptable but the fact that we are now limiting access to Gaelic games is completely discriminatory against the people affected.

The Government needs to take action on this. Cashless events, venues, banks and businesses are not only problematic for older people and those living in rural Ireland but also for victims of domestic abuse who are experiencing financial control by an abusive partner. Women’s Aid has stated:

Very often, abusive partners control access to the family finances. Financial abuse includes exerting control over income, spending and bank accounts. Without access to money, and in particular in cash form...it is difficult to leave an abuser and access safety.

Disabled women and migrant women are particularly at risk.

I am also concerned about the level of tracking and surveillance that banks and governments would have access to in a cashless society. This information is incredibly valuable and though we may not be at risk now we do not know how this information might be used in the future. It is vital that we ensure that cash is always an option and I urge the Government to take a stronger stance on this that goes beyond the toothless act of merely supporting the motion. Action is needed and not words. The Government is a very active participant in the system and needs to ensure that everybody performs.

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