Plan to ensure all payments for State services can be made with cash

As well as payments to State agencies and government departments, the strategy stipulates that future government contracts with third parties, which seek payment from the public, must also include cash options. iStock

All government services will be payable in cash under a plan to go to Cabinet on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Jack Chambers will bring the National Payment Strategy to Cabinet for approval, which will make it a requirement for all government departments and bodies to accept cash or facilitate cash payments.

The strategy also sets out that any future contracts agreed between government departments and their agencies with third parties, which seek payment from the public, must also include cash options.

Cash facilitation measures could include a consumer using cash in a retail outlet to purchase a Payzone voucher, which can then be redeemed for a particular service.

The strategy is separate from Access to Cash legislation, which focuses on a minimum number of ATMs in towns and villages across the country.

Separately, Taoiseach Simon Harris will bring a memo to Cabinet looking to approve the publication of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce report. It contains 10 initiatives to revive the capital and makes significant recommendations on the revitalisation of O’Connell St, with a particular focus on the GPO building.

It is recommended that the GPO be redeveloped as a major public building with a decision on its future use by early next year.

Proposals were made to the taskforce for its use, including a world-class museum, a leading government department, or the relocation of some RTÉ functions.

In addition, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is expected to seek Cabinet approval for a women’s health measure announced as part of Budget 2025.

Under the proposal, the State will foot the bill for HRT treatment for women, provided it has been prescribed to them by their GP or pharmacist.

Mr Donnelly is expected to underpin the plan in legislation through an amendment to the annual Health Insurance Bill, which is due to pass through the Dáil in the coming weeks.

However, if the legislation is not passed before January, free HRT will be provided to women on an administrative basis.

Sport Minister Catherine Martin is due to bring forward the Sports Action Plan for 2024 to 2027 to Cabinet, with 47 recommendations to improve participation and investment in sport.

Among the proposals is a formal 50% cut in State funding for sporting bodies that fail to reach a 40% gender balance on their boards. It also recommends carrying out research on design changes to sports facilities to meet the needs of women, as well as a review of disability sport funding.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee is expected to seek approval for a new deputy commissioner of An Garda Síochána, after the role was left vacant for over a year.