People’s right to access and use cash should be protected, says MEP
“Signs reading ‘No Cash, Card Only’ must be a thing of the past”, according to Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus, who this week launched a public survey on the issue.
“I am the shadow rapporteur on a proposed EU law that will include measures on the right to use cash. That means I will be one of the key MEPs shaping these new rules on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. As part of that responsibility I am carrying out a public survey to understand the wants and needs of Irish people,” said the Midlands Northwest MEP.
“Many constituents I have spoken to feel their rights are being infringed as more and more payment facilities become cashless.
"NCT Centres, GAA matches, Agricultural events and airport terminals are just some of the facilities that have recently received public backlash for not allowing cash payments.
"Many of these cashless entities are, in their actions excluding large swathes of our society. I think the public anger is understandable.”
“The right to cash is a basic human right in modern society” MacManus said.
“Physical cash is legal tender and must be protected in its widespread usage commercially and in its availability to citizens. Cash offers a personal security, freedom and confidence that digital and electronic alternatives cannot replace.”
As part of the campaign, the Sinn Féin MEP also wants to help protect peoples’ access to cash.
“I believe It is vital that we protect peoples’ access to cash. That means guaranteeing people a nearby working ATM, bank service desk or cash back facility in their community. Part of the survey deals with that particular issue too.”
Mr MacManus concluded: “Basically we’re asking people what problems they have faced in terms of trying to pay with cash or access it locally in their local community. By understanding the issues fully, we can properly address them.
"So I am asking people to take two minutes out of their day to complete this short survey, which can be taken here."