Access to cash 'an absolute right' says Louth's Ó Murchú
Says there is a need to ensure that people are offered access to ATM services and cash
Access to cash is an absolute right and everything possible should be done to safeguard that, Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said, while highlighting how a pensioner was not able to get into a GAA match in Louth recently because he only had cash and pointing to the recent controversy over the Connect Credit Union decision to close two branches.
During a debate on the Finance Bill 2024, the Sinn Féin deputy revealed how a pensioner had not been able to purchase a ticket for a senior football game.
He said: “In fairness, the Louth County Board stated that it will do absolutely anything to ensure that this does not happen again in respect of people who are only able to use cash, particularly those who have given long service to the GAA. The board has allocated tickets in respect of people who fall into this bracket that the clubs can hand out. It is vital that this sort of thing happens.”
The Sinn Féin TD said that even in places where there are enough ATMs, there have been times when, for example, over busy bank holiday weekends, when these have not been filled. “While it may suit many people to be able to pay by tapping or making purchases online, that does not suit a significant number of other individuals.
"Access to cash is an absolute right. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity that the legislation make provision to ensure that sufficient cash is available for people to access.” He also said that ATMs should offer “Irish language options of equal quality to the English versions”.
He went on to highlight the closure of the Kilsaran and Clogherheard branches of Connect Credit Union last month. He said he had spoken to Minister of State Neale Richmond about the matter as “it gave rise to major unease.”
Deputy Ó Murchú said: “The level of interaction and consultation on the matter has been insufficient. Two rival special general meetings took place in recent days. I attended one of them in O'Connell's GFC. Well over 200 people were present. That just shows the depth of feeling in the area. Contact has been made with the Central Bank.
“While I accept that there are procedures for dealing with matters of this nature, I am of the view that there needs to be an element of ‘eyes on’ in respect of it. We need to ensure that people are offered access to ATM services and cash. We also need to ensure that post office services are available.
“We need to do our part, not only to provide credit unions with the power to offer mortgages, etc., but also to ensure that they remain connected to the communities in which they are located.”