New law to prevent cashless society will stop Irish drinkers going ‘thirsty’, says Govt minister in boost to small firms.” Cash is important to consumers in all walks of life because it is a private, secure, and instant form of payment.”

The new proposed law aims to ensure that sufficient and effective access to cash is available in the StateIt aims to ensure that sufficient and effective access to cash is available in the State.

It insists ATMs are located within certain distances to ensure people who like to operate with notes or coins can be facilitated to do so.

The Fianna Fail TD, from ­Ballynacarrigy, near Mullingar, Co Westmeath, told the Seanad: “There are certain hospitality businesses in my home village where, if you do not have cash, you can go thirsty, which is a matter of fact. Even so, there are places that have tried to shoehorn in the tap and contactless system and that is not fair.

“It disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups, vulnerable people, people with disabilities and older persons.”