Concern that NCT move from cash payments will hit elderly

The National Car Test centre announcement that they intend to stop accepting cash payments will cause both stress and distress to some people, according to a number of groups in Westmeath.

Their claims come as Minister Peter Burke and Deputy Peadar Tóibín urge caution on the move away from cash.

The NCT service announced last week that it was going cashless, and tests would have to be paid for in advance online or by postal order.

Marion Mooney, of the Ballinafid, Multyfarnham Bunbrosna Active Retirement Association (BMB ARA), and Cara Cunningham of The Thursday Club in Ballymore, both completely oppose the move, while Debbie Daly of Mullingar’s 1428 Club revealed that members there with whom she has discussed the issue are uneasy about the change.

The shift away from cash is already a talking point among older people, said Cara: “This is a bugbear among our members since the GAA phased out cash. The big argument is that cash is legal tender and why can’t they take it.”

Some who are on fixed incomes find it easier to budget when they are dealing with cash, Cara adds: “Online shopping or online payments to some of them is like a foreign language.”

Cara points out that a further issue for rural people is that poor internet coverage can mean online payment may not even be an option, even for those who are tech-savvy and happy to use electronic payment means.

“It isn’t fair really because a lot of pensioners still collect their pensions in cash,” said Marion Mooney of BMB ARA.

“Really and truly, some of them don’t want to have anything to do with cards – or online banking, especially with all the scams.”

There are many who are uneasy about the increasing shift away from cash generally, Marion said: “It’s a big worry, and I think it’s leaving people with extra stress in trying to manage finances,” she said.

“Older people often tend to feel happier if they manage their finances in cash so that they can pay all their bills in small amounts every week and that type of thing. It is a source of anxiety and it’s hard enough nowadays.”

Among members of the 1428 Club, there is also disquiet: “The consensus is that they do not use cards or make online transactions; they prefer to use cash,” says Debbie Daly, manager of the club. “They do have cards issued by the bank (even if they didn’t want them); they need to use them to withdraw money, but each person I spoke to said they wouldn’t be able to, or weren’t happy to, use services online and are afraid to ‘do something wrong’ so if they were forced – they would need to get the help of someone else.”

Debbie said club members regularly seek assistance with online transactions including LPT, medical card application and renewal, car tax, car insurance, house insurance, passports. “Those that drive wouldn’t be confident going cashless for NCT and again they would need assistance in doing so.”

Transition

Minster Peter Burke TD has called on Minister Jack Chambers to engage with the NCTS on the proposal to go cashless. “I strongly advocate for a transition period on this and urge the minister to maintain a twin track approach regarding payment for NCTs,” he said. “We need to facilitate those who want to pay with cash. Not everyone is comfortable with bank cards and paying with tap. We have a responsibility to all in the community and I have called on the minister to review this announcement from the NCT.”

Áontu leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín said ending the use of cash was a kick in the stomach to older people and “it reduces their autonomy”

when we should be encouraging them to live full and independent lives. Older people have to asking their children or their neighbours to carry out everyday actions on their behalf. This does real damage to their confidence.”

“Cash is inclusive. Cash provides a simple payment method for everyone irrespective of access to the internet, smart phones or the ability to use technology. Cash is crucial for the inclusion of socially vulnerable citizens such as the elderly or lower-income groups and people living in rural areas or without access to technology,” he said.

Deputy Tóibín said that ending the use of cash was a kick in the stomach to older people: “It makes older people dependent. It reduces their autonomy when we should be encouraging them to live full and independent lives. Older people have to asking their children or their neighbours to carry out everyday actions on their behalf. This does real damage to their confidence.”

Apart also from the fact that phone and internet coverage is sketchy in many parts of the country, he continued, there are many people who can’t use phones for complicated transaction. “Many many people can’t use the authentication software on banking apps necessary to make transactions. Signals often drop before authentication can be competed.”