asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of plans by the British authorities to issue a one pound coin with the shamrock on the reverse side; and if he has any plans to make representations to the British authorities about their appropriation of the national emblem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Pound Coin.
7.
I am unaware of any proposal by the British authorities to issue a one pound coin with a shamrock on the reverse side. On my instructions my Department contacted the British authorities who confirmed that no such plans exist.
Is the Minister aware of an article contained in the Coin and Medal News of February 1985 stating that a new Welsh £ would be printed in the succeeding two years, with the Queen on one side and the shamrock of Ireland on the other? Is the Minister not aware also that information supplied to that magazine is supplied by the British Government?
Not shamrock, flax.
I would remind the Minister again, the shamrock of Ireland.
No, flax. I have the coin here.
I have the information to hand. There are three coins in the group——
——four.
Would the Minister elaborate?
Is the Minister aware that that information was supplied by the British Government to the Coin and Medal News?
The coin has the head of the Queen on one side and a sheaf of flax on the other.
I have that coin here also but that is not the one being referred to——
If the Deputy wants to enter into an argument about it he will have to find another occasion.
The British Treasury have confirmed that they have no plans to issue a coin with a shamrock on the reverse side.
The British Government have confirmed?
Yes.
Are they sneaking up on us?
Would the Minister accept that most Irish people would find very offensive the idea of a British coin with the Queen on one side and the shamrock on the other?
That is a hypothetical question. I am calling Question No. 8.
The Deputy cannot be serious in asking me to answer a question like that.
Would the Minister not consider circulating his answer to the last question when we would all get a coin?
It would cost more than £166 to circulate, plus 10 per cent.
In view of the Minister's cynical attitude to my question might I raise this matter on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I had not a cynical attitude towards it.
A very cynical attitude.
If I give the Deputy the coin will he withdraw his request to raise the matter on the Adjournment?