In a move set to please traditionalists and those wary of digital payments, the Irish government is poised to ensure that cash remains a viable option for all state services.
Finance Minister Jack Chambers will present the National Payment Strategy to Cabinet on Tuesday, mandating that all government departments and bodies must accept cash or provide cash payment options. This requirement will extend to third-party contractors handling public payments on behalf of the government.
For services where direct cash transactions aren’t feasible, the strategy proposes innovative solutions. One such method could involve purchasing Payzone vouchers with cash at local shops, which can then be used to pay for government services.
This cash-friendly initiative is separate from the Access to Cash legislation, which aims to maintain a minimum number of ATMs across Ireland’s towns and villages.
In other Cabinet news, Taoiseach Simon Harris will unveil plans to revitalize Dublin’s city centre, with a special focus on O’Connell Street and the iconic GPO building. Proposals for the GPO’s future include transforming it into a world-class museum, housing a major government department, or becoming a new home for some RTÉ operations.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is set to introduce free HRT treatment for women as part of Budget 2025, while Sport Minister Catherine Martin will present a plan to boost gender equality in sports, including funding cuts for organizations failing to achieve board diversity targets.
According to The Irish Examiner, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to accessible services, urban renewal, and social progress. As Ireland moves forward, it seems that while embracing the future, the country isn’t ready to bid farewell to the familiar feel of notes and coins just yet.