The use of banking cards and credit cards is growing rapidly in the Republic. By the end of last year, there were 3.2 million ATM cards in circulation here. The figures published in the Irish Bankers' Federation Review of Activities 2000 indicate there is roughly one ATM card per head of population, although allowance must be made for multiple card ownership.

The review also reports that 1,200 ATM machines are now in place across the State to service the huge number of transactions conducted annually.

An estimated 167 million transactions were conducted last year using the "hole in the wall" machine.

That works out at an average of 52 transactions per card, or one per week.

When you consider the corresponding figure for 1991 was 44 million transactions, the near fourfold growth in usage reflects how much Irish consumers have come to depend on ATM technology for day-to-day banking needs.

It also highlights the convenience deficit being experienced by that 50 per cent of the population without a bank account.

According to the federation, the total value of ATM transactions annually now stands at around £8.9 billion, the bulk of which is accounted for by cash withdrawals.

The review also shows that 1.6 million credit cards were used for 69 million transactions to a total value of £4 billion last year. The most recent data for credit card ownership shows a rate of 22 per cent.

Credit card holders have obvious advantages when it comes to telephone and Internet booking, as disappointed U2 fans can testify.

While the credit card spending figures reflect growth in ownership and usage right throughout the 1990s, the federation is confident cardholders are not losing control of their spending.

The figures show that the average number of transactions per credit card increased from 34 in 1998 to 43 in 2000, but the average spend per transaction only increased from £57 to £58 in the same period.

"This indicates that, generally speaking, cardholders are maintaining a fairly consistent and prudent approach to the use of their cards," a spokesman said. Nevertheless, the total amount being spent has increased.

The review's figures also show continuous growth in the use of the Laser debit card since its launch a few years ago.

A cardbase of some 800,000 people accounted for 34 million transactions to a value of £1.3 billion in the year 2000.

That's a lot of shopping, although the figures are somewhat distorted by the fact that many outlets will also allow you withdraw money in cash from your account on Laser transactions.

One thing is clear from the figures: the era of paper-based banking is receding. Irish residents without the facility to make electronic transactions will be left out of the loop in the near future. That is one more reason for the Government's goal of a universal bank account and access to electronic payment methods for all to be delivered upon as soon as possible.