The use of cash in Irish society

26.4.2023

Question for written answer  E-001366/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Chris MacManus (The Left)

Recently, the Minister for Finance in Ireland stated in a reply to a parliamentary question that “If a business specifies payment must be in a form other than cash, the customer cannot subsequently claim a legal right to pay in cash. This can be achieved by, for example, placing a sign stating “cash not accepted” or “card payment only” at the store entrance or check out area”[1].

This seems to fly in the face of EU policy, including Commission Recommendation 2010/191/EU, and statements made by the European Central Bank.

While the Irish Government is consulting on the issue, does the Commission believe that the statement made by the minister regarding the current practice is accurate and legally sound?

Submitted: 26.4.2023

• [1] https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-03-07/233/#pq_233.