asked the Minister for Finance whether consideration has been given to the question of the retention of the sixpenny coin when the decimal system comes into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retention of Sixpenny Coin.
47.
The question of the denomination of coins to be issued for the operation of decimal currency was carefully considered before the Decimal Currency Act, 1969, was drafted and it was decided that a coin of the value of 6d would not be appropriate because, in the new currency, it would have the awkward value of two and a half new pence. It was felt that the series a half, one, two, five, ten and 50 new pence would be sufficient for all practical purposes. The 6d will not, of course, be withdrawn on Decimal Day, but will continue to be legal tender during the changeover period following that day, when both currencies will be in circulation.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why a two and a half new pence unit is more awkward than a half new pence?
The Minister is not debarred by the Decimal Currency Act, 1969, from introducing a new coin to replace the 6d, if it is felt after the changeover period that such a coin is desirable, or if the people still want it. The experience in other countries has been that the 6d has been used less after decimal day. If there is a demand for the coin during the change-over period, there is nothing to prevent the Minister from introducing one at that time.