Sinn Féin Midlands North West MEP Chris Mac Manus has said government must deliver appropriate, common-sense reforms to fully protect customers’ right to use cash. 

 Mr MacManus has been advocating at EU-level to protect this right for customers and businesses. 

Yesterday, proposals were brought to cabinet on the issue. 

Mr MacManus said: “I welcome that government appears to have finally taken some steps towards addressing this issue. I have been long been demanding that urgent action is taken. The government have ignored this issue for far too long and I welcome long-overdue attention on this crucial issue. 

“This week I continue this campaign as I meet with with the ECB and the EU Commission.

“I have tabled 25 amendments protecting this important right and standing up for Irish customers and businesses. 

“Minister McGrath has now finally brought proposals on this matter to cabinet. I am committed to working constructively on this with government and will study the detail of these proposals carefully. However, government cannot continue to drag their heels and take a reactive rather than proactive approach.

“I have met with constituents and businesses across Midlands North West who have been raising this issue for years. Many areas have poor broadband connectivity rendering use of card machines unreliable or impossible. Many vulnerable customers, including older customers who may not have access to debit cards or online banking, are also concerned about being left abandoned by moves towards a cashless society. 

 “While we wait to see full details the Minister’s plan, the indications are that his proposals will fall short of a full right to cash, indeed they might be overtaken by EU rules. I will continue to stand up for communities at an EU level to ensure we get this issue right and deliver the change that communities in Ireland need.”