The Future Ireland Fund is a very important planning instrument for the future of the economy, particularly in light of shocks we know are coming down the track. Will the Minister outline how the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund are being used and their status at this stage?
Sentiment score: -0.06
It is very important to acknowledge the importance of these funds. The Minister mentioned demographic change. We know a crisis is coming in terms of the shift from those who are working to those who are retired and how the working population here will have to support those people. I want to put on record my support for and acknowledgement of the importance of these funds and the fact that they will be here in 16 or 17 years time to deal with whatever difficulties the economy might face at that point. I note the National Reserve Fund transferred to the Future Ireland Fund last year. The National Treasury Management Agency is responsible for the management of these funds. How are they managed? How close an eye is kept on them on a day-to-day basis by the Department? Can the Minister say anything about where those funds are or how he anticipates they will develop over the next 16 to 17 years?
Sentiment score: 0.13
I appreciate that. To what extent does the Department keep an eye on the appropriateness of those financial vehicles in terms of any human rights element? Is this a consideration?
Sentiment score: 0.13
12. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Finance to report on the progress of ensuring access to cash and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28047/25]
Sentiment score: 0.20
As the Minister is aware, cash is increasingly something many people do not use. One will often hear people say they do not carry cash at all but rely on credit cards and banking apps to make the payments they need to make. While that is very progressive in lots of ways, will the Minister tell us what he is doing to ensure cash remains available for those who need and want to use it?
Sentiment score: 0.32
I acknowledge that the Government takes on board this issue. Exactly as the Minister says, it is an inclusion issue, particularly for people who might not be tech savvy or might even have bad Internet coverage. The lack of access to cash can be a real stumbling block for them in accessing financial services and paying bills. I therefore appreciate that there is a governmental and legislative acknowledgment of the importance of cash. Some choose to use the alternative technological solutions, and that is great, but we must continue to make cash available to people. Small businesses tell me that sometimes dealing in cash with banks can increase their banking charges and costs. Is there any intention to impress upon the banks the need for them not to penalise businesses and individuals for choosing to use cash over electronic means of funds transfers?
Sentiment score: 0.06
I appreciate the Minister's perspective and his commitment to that. Beyond the banking sector, there are businesses that will sometimes try to dictate to their customers how they will effect payment for a service or a good. Some people will say not just that they want a card payment but that it must be through a particular method - PayPal or whatever it might be. Does the Minister perhaps see a role in regulatory terms for the Government to say to businesses that they may not do that and that they must facilitate payment by multiple means, or at least more than one means, in circumstances where there could be a concern that dictating that payment must be made through a particular means would seriously restrict some people's ability to access that good or service?
Sentiment score: 0.34