How many MiCard users will be able to open bank accounts before shutdown?

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson says he doesn't know how many of the Island's 1,251 MiCard users will be able to open a bank account for pensions and benefits before the system is shut down at the end of this year.

He faced a question for written reply from Glenfaba and Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan about the payment cards.

In his response, he said those still using the cards had been urged to switch to bank payments before Christmas.

But he added the Treasury doesn't know how many users have a bank account, or could open one.