Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this issue. Certainly, it is an important matter for consumers, businesses and the State, as alluded to by him. The Commission recommendation is in place but, as he agrees, it is a recommendation and not a legally binding law. Retail businesses under current law can refuse to accept payment in cash, once people are told beforehand.

I am not the Minister for Finance but I do not know of a legal impediment for the Senator to bring forward Private Members' legislation on the issue. I assume that would not be in breach of European law because the recommendation is in place. In fact, what he is proposing would be in line with the recommendation. However, as a matter of current law and the Government position, I have set that out in this reply.