asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the new designs as described in the Press for our new coinage have given rise to much displeasure throughout the country; whether the design of a pig and her litter and other farmyard animals is calculated to inspire the public as to the standard of Gaelic culture that National Ireland is striving for to-day; whether something more in keeping with the Christian glories of Ireland should not be substituted for a series of designs which are regarded by many people as a travesty on our country.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DESIGNS FOR NEW COINAGE.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. Apart from the harp design which will appear on every coin, the designs are not intended to be symbolical. The subjects —which include the animals that are the chief source of wealth in this country—have been chosen on the unanimous recommendation of the Committee appointed to advise on the designs. Before making their recommendation the Committee sought the advice of the Society of Antiquaries who, while advocating the retention of the harp, strongly opposed the use of hackneyed symbols such as round towers, sun-bursts and shamrocks. I am satisfied that the subjects selected will provide a series of coins of undoubted dignity and beauty.
Does the Minister propose to make any use of the tradition of saints and scholars?