The ongoing situation whereby NDLS services in Louth are not accepting cash payments is an example of blatant disregard for the public and is in direct contravention to Ministerial requests for it to take this method of payment.
That’s the view of Aontú’s Drogheda Rep, Michael O Dowd who says
“This ongoing situation is most unacceptable. Not only is it inconveniencing so many members of the public whose right it is to use cash, but it is making a mockery out of several Government directives stating that all essential public services provided by Government, or run on its behalf, have to accept cash “.
“In 2023 the then Minister for Finance Michael McGrath called on the NDLS to reverse its policy of refusing cash. He said at the time that he expected all essential public services that are under the auspices of Government to take cash.
Then, in 2024 then Minister for Finance Jack Chambers launched the ‘National Payments Strategy’ which clearly states that all public services provided by Government and agencies acting on its behalf have to accept cash.
This has been followed up by the ‘Access to Cash Bill’ which came into effect late last year and it mandates the major Banks to ensure that an ATM is on hand and accessible to the majority of the population who live within a 10 KM radius, so it accepts the principal that people who want cash should be able to get it.
Therefore, it is simply astonishing that this arm of the state is continuing to refuse to take cash.
We are constantly being lectured by this Government about choice and freedom of choice, but people who want to use cash are being openly denied that choice.
Cash is legal tender and it remains ‘king’ for so many people. It is not passe in their lives and instead is a practical and responsible way of budgeting and managing household finances.
There is a great need to enable older people to maintain their independence and dignity, yet decisions like this can push many towards greater dependence on family members, neighbours, or carers. It is also a retrograde decision for victims of domestic abuse who want the freedom that cash can afford.
Actually, whether someone chooses to pay by card or cash should be a matter for them and not state run agencies.
The Government needs to get a grip on this situation and remind the NDLS of its public service remit”.
