Holly Cairns
Question:189. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure all ATMs are fully accessible for persons with disabilities. [15739/22]
View answerThursday, 24 March 2022
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It should be noted that the Minister for Finance has no direct function in the operations of banks. Actions taken by the banks are matters for the board and management of the institution.
The Central Bank's consumer protection framework is designed to ensure that customers’ best interests are protected. It requires regulated entities to provide reasonable arrangements and/or assistance to people who may be experiencing particular vulnerabilities.
The Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code 2012 (the Code) applies to regulated financial service providers providing regulated activities within the State. Under the provisions of the Code the Central Bank expects that all regulated firms take a consumer-focused approach and to act in their customers’ best interests, particularly in dealings with vulnerable consumers. The Code contains a number of provisions aimed at ensuring that vulnerable people can gain access to mainstream financial services.
Provision 2.11 of the Code provides that a regulated firm must not, through its policies, procedures, or working practice, prevent access to basic financial services. This provision aims to ensure that vulnerable people can gain access to mainstream financial services.
Provision 3.1 of the Code provides that “where a regulated entity has identified that a personal consumer is a vulnerable consumer, the regulated entity must ensure that the vulnerable consumer is provided with such reasonable arrangements and/or assistance that may be necessary to facilitate him or her in his or her dealings with the regulated entity.”
All regulated firms should take a consumer-focused approach and act in their customers’ best interests, particularly in dealings with vulnerable consumers.