Retailers must not exclude consumers paying cash for goods and services – Byrne

Retailers must give continue to give consumers the option to pay cash for goods and services in an increasingly popular age of digital payments, according to Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne.

Senator Byrne, Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Finance, said, “Card and contactless payments soared during the pandemic as public health restrictions resulted in the closure of businesses which limited peoples’ ability to spend and pay for goods and services in person.

“According to the latest figures, the value of contactless payments rose by 48.3% to €13.6 billion with contactless accounting for more than half (52%) of all card payments in 2021.

“Almost €70.7 billion was spent on cards in 2021, up from about €57.2 billion, in 2019, according to Central Bank of Ireland data. Cash withdrawn at ATMs fell from a peak of €19.9 billion in 2018 to €12.7 billion in 2021.

“But retailers and regulators need to be aware that contactless payments do not suit many people, including those who may not have the digital skills to conduct their financial affairs online.

“The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament has told me that many of its members are concerned with the digital divide and the impact this is having on them and their independence.

“The move towards a cashless society for example, would restrict their normal social interactions, with daily activities such as buying products from their newsagents, or going for a cup of coffee offering them the opportunity to connect and stay involved in their local community.

“Some GAA grounds and county boards are introducing cashless ticketing system at games, moving away from taking cash payments at stadium turnstiles.

“Concerns have been expressed that this will exclude people, including members of the elderly community, who won’t be able to access online ticket sales.

“There may be scenarios where a supporter travels to a game, intends to buy their ticket in cash at the stadium and may not have their cards with them. As a result, they may not be able to get a ticket and we are also pushing people to depend on others to secure tickets and so on, which is not acceptable.

“I believe the organisation should keep a small allocation of tickets behind for sale so that people can buy with cash when they are at the stadium.

“Retailers must also be aware that a lot of people do not have access to mobile banking and payment apps like Apple Pay, Revolut and other online platforms, indeed when so many services that used to be provided by traditional banks in-person are now moving more and more online.

“Retailers should show flexibility and do their utmost to accept cash payments, so their consumers do not face financial exclusion when it comes to purchasing goods and services.

“I urge them to demonstrate flexibility in this regard,” Senator Byrne said.