asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, before making his recent statement recommending the use of farthings in the operation of the turnover tax, he considered the statement of the Minister for Finance in the Dáil on 7th February last that the question of demonetising this coin is under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demonetising of Farthings.
16.
Mr. Ryan
The answer is yes, but I must point out that the statement referred to made no recommendation about the use of farthings. Its purpose was to indicate approximately the amount represented by 2½ per cent on purchases up to £1 in amount.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that in 1720 Jonathan Swift immortalised Wood's Halfpence which were worth nothing. In 1963, we will be immortalising Lynch's farthings which are also worth nothing but which, unlike Wood's Halfpence, cannot be got.
I am greatly impressed by the Deputy's knowledge and research.