A former Mayor of Clare fears NCT Ireland’s decision to make its centres cashless will discriminate against families on low incomes.
The announcement to accept only card payments and postal orders going forward was made by the national car test operator on social media on Monday evening.
Local and national representatives have hit out at the compulsory vehicle inspection provider’s decision due to fears it will adversely affect vulnerable groups in society.
Responding to the decision to go cashless, the Road Safety Authority, which has statutory responsibility for the provision of NCT services, says it is in “ongoing discussions” with NCT Ireland to ensure “various payment alternatives and supporting processes” are in place so that “the needs of customers are met”.
In relation to the effects of the decision, the Department of Finance says cash remains “an important element of the payments system and the broader economy” and legislation will be considered that would “require certain firms or sectors to accept or facilitate the acceptance of cash”.
Former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien believes a variety of groups will be disproportionately affected by NCT Ireland’s shift to cashless payments.
This is just the latest issue leading to backlash against the car test provider, which has been heavily criticised in the past year for lengthy test wait times, with people in this county having faced a six-month wait at one point.
Chair of the Clare Older People’s Council Maurice Harvey says NCT Ireland should not have a monopoly on car tests.
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