Once promoted as a free service, customers now face a £10 charge to use their bank cards. Dublin ATM users giver their thoughts on the new levy.
In the budget of 27 January 1988, Minister for Finance, Ray MacSharry announced an annual £10 charge for each holder of an ATM card, such as Banklink and Passcard.
The proposal to charge £10 to use a hitherto free service free was met with opposition and many customers returned their cards to the bank rather than pay the levy.
On the streets of Dublin, bank card holders have mixed opinions about the tax. Some are unhappy about the charge as
Ten quid a year is a lot of money when you don’t have it.
One man feels the public should not be carrying the charge.
The banks should be paying it, they’re getting our business.
Whereas others feel the charge is a small price to pay for easy access to their funds.
I don’t mind, it’s very handy, it’s worth a tenner.
Students interviewed are not happy to pay the levy and another woman believes the charge will put off young people from saving.
One man will definitely be sending his card back to the bank, but a woman who has two cards in her family is not tempted to return them, even though they will be charged £20 for the service.
An ‘Evening Extra’ report broadcast on 23 February 1988. The reporter is Shay Healy.
