Dublin MEP Brian Hayes is challenging An Post to justify the inactivity fee on One4all Gift Cards.
According to the current terms and conditions, while the card will not expire, a monthly inactivity fee of €1.45 will start being charged 12 months after the card was purchased until nothing remains on the card.
“Frankly, it’s daylight robbery, and I am calling on An Post, who are responsible for the gift cards, to immediately stop the practice,” Hayes said.
Hayes learned about the charge from a constituent who misplaced a gift card for 18 months. Upon finding the card, they discovered the balance was half gone.
“These gift cards are very often given as presents, especially at Christmas time and should not be subject to any charge at any stage,” Hayes said.
“There are two fundamental questions that An Post must answer – why is this excessive charge applied, and how much money have consumers lost in recent years as a result of this charge?”
According to Hayes’ office, the MEP plans to bring the issue up with the European Commission since the cards are regulated under European regulations.
“This practice is bad for consumers. There is no justification,” he said.
Dublin Gazette contacted the One4all press office for comment but they had not responded at the time of going to print.
