Taking cash should be a legal requirement, even though Ireland will eventually move to a cashless society.

That's according to consumer columnist and host of The Home Show, Sinead Ryan, who was speaking as officials are considering whether legislation should be introduced to require certain types of businesses and sectors to accept cash.

In Ireland, businesses must accept cash unless it is clear they only accept other ways to pay.

The CCPC says this can be as simple as a sign in the shop saying ‘card transactions only’.

"As long as you decide to continue in the presence of such a sign, this is considered agreement", it says.

If a business doesn’t clearly state that it only accepts certain methods of payment, it must accept cash.

A smartphone is held at a payment terminal at the checkout of a supermarket in January 2020. Picture by: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/DPA/PA Images

Sinead told Newstalk Breakfast she believes cash is important for certain groups and businesses.

"I think it's really important that we preserve cash for lots of people in society," she said.

"It's the way lots of people still do business, particularly those on a very, very tight budget, on low incomes and indeed lots of older people - who may not have got their heads around smartphone and online banking.

"I think it's a pity that we have to legislate for it, to be honest".

Sinead said 'Card Only' signs are becoming too common.

"I think that's a mistake, and I think it's really important that we try and preserve - at least for the coming years - the ability to be able to transact in cash," she said.

'Choice is always good'

Sinead said this is part of a wider movement that she would support, eventually.

"We are increasingly being pushed towards a cashless society," she said.

"I'm all for that - I think it cuts down on crime... and I get that.

"We're going to get there eventually; there are countries like Denmark and Belgium who are already almost there".

Sinead said we should be cautious as more banks and ATMs shut down.

"Part of this payments review in the Department of Finance is to look at the oversight of the non-bank owned ATMs, and the importance of them in rural towns and villages," she said.

"I think it's nice to have choice: choice is always good for consumers," she added.

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Main image: Split-screen image shows Sinead Ryan and a payment being made by card