Has Ahern heard of the rip-off republic?

YOU reported Justice Minister Dermot Ahern as saying (September 3) the Government might have to consider making banks charge for ATM withdrawals to reduce the amount of cash in circulation and discourage robberies.

As far back as I can remember banks have always charged transaction fees – electronic transactions, credit transfers, laser transactions and ATM withdrawals are all 25 cents each and, on top of these, there is a maintenance fee on each account of anything from €12.50 upwards.

These are all charged quarterly, in addition to the bank charge for the card, plus the Government stamp duty.