Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

An issue raised in my clinic during the week causes great concern. A man in his late 70s left Carlow 50 years ago to work in England. He has come home every year since to visit his family and friends, but this is the first time in 50 years that two of the main banks have refused to change sterling for him. He went to the main post office, but it also refused to accept sterling. He was very upset. This is unacceptable and I want the matter to be addressed by the Minister for Finance. At least, the man in question has some family and friends who have been able to give him money. Long term, however, we do not want that message to get back. We depend a great deal on visitors from England and the rest of the United Kingdom. Look at the tourism revenue they give us. What has happened is unacceptable and the man in question was very upset. While it is the only case I know of, it is not good and I want the issue to be addressed immediately.