asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the number of soiled bank notes at present in circulation in this country and whether, in view of the danger to health and the general unpleasantness to persons handling them, he will take steps to ensure that there is a speedier cancellation of soiled notes by the Central Bank.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soiled Bank Notes.
Soiled notes are constantly being withdrawn from circulation by the commercial banks and the rate of withdrawal appears to the Central Bank to be satisfactory. The average condition of soiled notes at the time of withdrawal indicates that the standard of notes in circulation is generally good. There is no evidence of any danger to health from the handling of outstanding Irish notes.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary not received any representations from members of the public or parties interested, as I can assure him there is a widespread feeling that the notes are unnecessarily dirty?
Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure us in any way that the number of notes going into the workman's pay packet will be sufficient to cover the increased cost of clothing and food for himself and his family?
That supplementary does not arise. I have no information on the point raised by Deputy Dockrell.