A local MEP has called for cash to remain a viable and legally protected payment option.
With the holiday season in full swing, Midlands Northwest MEP Ciaran Mullooly highlighted the need to ensure consumers have the freedom to choose how they pay for goods and services.
Earlier this year, the European Parliament adopted regulations to introduce a total ban on cash transactions exceeding 10,000 euro, as well as supervision over transactions above 3,000 euro.
The measures come in an effort to combat money laundering.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, however, the Roscommon-based MEP said "cash is king":