asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the number of officials who have visited or are at present visiting countries outside the State for the purposes of studying the operation of decimal coinage; and if he will also give details of each country visited, the length of each official's absence from the State and the cost to the State of each such visit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decimal Coinage.
67.
Mr. Barrett
As I announced following publication of the booklet "Decimal Currency: Choice of Unit" in June, 1967, two officers of my Department were sent to New Zealand to observe the changeover to decimal currency there on 10 July, 1967. Observers from Britain and the other countries where decimal currency is to be introduced were also present for the changeover. The opportunity was availed of to study the operation of decimal currency in Australia where a decimal system was introduced in February, 1966, and the transition from the old to the new currency was still in progress.
The two officers were absent from the State for one month and the total cost was £2,052.
68.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has had advice from a panel of experts that the adoption of the pound as the major unit of currency as in Britain in the change to decimal currency is essential; if he has considered this advice; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
Since I issued my request for views in the booklet "Decimal Currency: Choice of Unit" in June, 1967, I have received submissions from over 200 organisations, firms and individuals in support of the adoption of one or other of the units on which it would be possible to base a decimal currency here. The closing date for the receipt of views was 15th October and the submissions received are at present being studied in my Department.