Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for this question, particularly as maintaining a variety of payment options in the State is important for the economy and for ensuring the financial inclusion of consumers who are older, on fixed or lower incomes or at risk of digital exclusion.

The availability of non-digital payment options ensures that certain vulnerable groups are not excluded from participating in our society. This is why cash access has been ensured via the recently passed Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 and why cash acceptance was recommended in the national payments strategy of 2024. Launched in October 2024, the strategy recommended cash acceptance or cash facilitation in the public sector where a public body levies fines or fees or where it provides goods or services for a charge. If a body cannot accept cash directly, it must arrange for the facilitation of cash payments via third party. In November, the Secretary General of my Department wrote to all other Secretaries General notifying them of this recommendation. Departments and bodies under their aegis will be required to confirm, via their annual reports, that they are in compliance with this recommendation.

It is my view that postal orders fall within the scope of facilitating cash payments via a third party. Postal orders are accepted by a number of local authorities and State agencies such as the Revenue. If the Deputy would like more information on the volume, use and operation of postal orders, An Post is the appropriate body to ask. I will certainly raise this matter with an Post because I accept that the point the Deputy raised is important.

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