We’re not a cash-free society yet, shops told

CASH may once have been king when it came to doing business in Ireland. But the great coronavirus panic means a growing number of shoppers believe cash is illegal.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has intervened in the gathering cash-versus-credit-card retail debate on behalf of those who still favour hard currency.

Amid growing opposition from retailers to using cash, the

Finance Minister was responding to queries by independent TD Mattie McGrath. The independent TD asked the minister if ‘cash is no longer legal tender; if those that do not have card facilities can be refused service, and his views on whether this is discriminating against those who do not have access to card facilities’. The TD lambasted the unwillingness of shops to take cash, warning: ‘This is a huge issue. People, particularly pensioners are being utterly inconvenienced.’

Responding, Mr Donohoe said: ‘I am aware that some retailers are choosing to only accept card and contactless payments in store.

‘All banks offering payment accounts are required to offer an account with basic features free of charge for at least one year to consumers who do not already have a bank account.’

These basic features include a debit card, direct debits, and the ability to pay for goods online.

Mr Donohoe also called on retailers to be sensitive to the fact that ‘euro notes and coins have legal tender status in Ireland’.

The minister said: ‘Where retailers are accepting a limited range of payment options, consumers must be informed of the options available in advance.’ This, he said ‘can be achieved by displaying signs at the till and at the store entrance.’