Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
403. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason a State-owned facility is being permitted to ignore the National Payments Strategy (details supplied) by not accepting cash payments; the way this strategy is generally monitored by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Payments Strategy (NPS) recognises that cash continues to be an important means of payment and store of value for many people. The Strategy is clear that there is a need to ensure that cash can be accepted as a means of payment where appropriate.
The NPS recommended that all Government departments and bodies under their aegis accept a range of electronic and non-electronic payments, including cash. If a body cannot accept cash directly it should arrange immediately for the facilitation of cash payments via a third party. In November 2024, the Secretary General of the Department of Finance wrote to all other Secretaries General notifying them of this recommendation. Government departments and bodies under their aegis will be required to confirm compliance in their annual reports from 2026 onwards.
There are limitations to any legislative action the Government may take with regards to cash acceptance, with the ability to propose legislation for euro cash acceptance exclusively being a European Commission competency. On 28 June 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on the legal tender of euro banknotes and coins, as part of the Single Currency Package. The Regulation will enshrine the principle of mandatory cash acceptance in the EU, including for State bodies. The Danish Presidency reached Council agreement on the Single Currency Package in December 2025, with trilogue negotiations expected to begin later this year.
The NPS also recommends that all Government departments and agencies will engage with those under their remit about their future obligations arising from the EU legislation, and encourage such organisations to commence their work in this area as soon as practicable in advance of the legal requirements of the Regulation.
