Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Independent ATM providers are regarded as Professional Cash Handlers and as such they are monitored by the Central Bank of Ireland for compliance with the Decision of the European Central Bank (ECB/2010/14) on the authenticity and fitness checking and recirculation of euro banknotes.

The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) regulates payment service providers across Europe and extended transparency rules relating to withdrawal charges to independent ATM providers.

An objective of PSD2 was to achieve an adequate balance by carrying over an exemption, contained in the first Payment Services Directive, for independent ATM providers from requiring authorisation as payment institutions while increasing transparency and consumer awareness about withdrawal charges. PSD2 did so by requiring charges to be displayed clearly to the payment service user both before withdrawal of cash and upon receipt of cash.

It should be noted that a review of PSD2 is due to begin by the end of this year. It is likely that this exemption will be examined as part of that review.

Some independent ATM operators operating here do not impose any additional charges for withdrawals. Where additional charges are imposed, consumers can avoid them by making cash withdrawals from an ATM operated by one of the retail banks where possible.