asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the inconvenience caused to Irish visitors to Britain by the refusal there to accept Irish currency, he will arrange with the British authorities for the reciprocal acceptance of both currencies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acceptance of Currencies.
4.
As Irish currency is not legal tender outside the State its acceptance in payment for goods and services in Britain would depend on local circumstances and attitudes. Similarly British currency is not legal tender here and its acceptance rests on long standing tradition and commercial convenience.
I am not aware that inconvenience is being caused to Irish visitors to Britain or that banks in Britain have refused to exchange Irish currency notes. If the Deputy is aware of any such case and lets me have details I will have it investigated by the Central Bank.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that people visiting England will not have Irish pound notes cashed for them in any shop and neither will Irish pound notes be accepted as legal tender on the railways?
If the Deputy has any information——
Is the Parliamentary secretary not aware of the situation?
I will certainly convey the Deputy's impression to the Minister.
As a one time emigrant. I can assure the Parliamentary Secretary the Irish pound note was not and still is not acceptable.
Is it possible to return Irish pound notes having written on them "Payable on demand"? It was at one time. It used to be "Payable on demand" in England. It is recognised as sterling.
If the Deputy puts down a question to the Minister for Finance I am sure he will get the fullest information.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary explain why Irish notes are acceptable in places like Barcelona and not in England?
Lack of confidence in the Coalition Government. They must be bankrupt.