Irish Examiner view: Despite the cashless trend, we have a right to use notes and coins

It is surely a fundamental principle that people should be able to pay cash if they choose

Euro notes and coins are legal tender which must be accepted in settlement of any debt. Stock picture: Getty

Finance Minister Michael McGrath outlined his views on cash this week, supporting in general terms the right of people to use banknotes and coins even if there is a marked drift away from cash in favour of digital transactions. 

This drift was certainly accelerated by the pandemic — that period saw a significant decline in the use of cash in Ireland, with ATM withdrawals down by one third between 2019 and 2022.