asked the Minister for Finance the number of shillings and five new pence coins in circulation; if he is aware of the difficulty which people have in obtaining adequate quantities of such coins particularly for use in coin-operated machines; if steps will be taken to substantially increase the number of such coins; if so, when; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coin Circulation.
51.
The total number of Irish shillings and five new pence coins outstanding at the end of last week was 35½ million. I am informed by the Central Bank that demand for these coins has been exceptionally heavy since 1st January, 1970. In the seven weeks since that date almost three million were issued compared with approximately four million over the whole of each of the years 1968 and 1969. This has cut into the Central Bank's stocks. An order has been placed for substantial supplies. Meanwhile, the banks have been requested to curtail issues somewhat. The Central Bank will meet all normal demands until the order is delivered.