asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken by the Government with regard to arrangements to facilitate the acceptance of Irish legal tender and currency in EEC countries and in Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acceptance of Irish £.
21.
Questions relating to the acceptance of Irish currency abroad are dealt with by the Central Bank of Ireland. That bank have been in touch with central banks and airport offices of commercial banks in the EEC and other European countries with a view to improving the facilities in these countries for the acceptance of Irish currency notes. I understand some progress is being made. The bank are keeping the matter under review.
As regards Britain, the position is that the Central Bank of Ireland's agent in London, that is the Bank of England, exchange Irish currency notes into sterling on demand. This provides a permanent facility for banks and others wishing to exchange Irish notes.
Will the Central Bank make arrangements to facilitate acceptance of foreign legal tender here?
I am not aware of any problems in that regard.
If there are no problems here, there could be problems in EEC countries.
Would the Deputy be a bit more specific?
The Minister said the Central Bank were having discussions on this matter. I asked would similar facilities be available here and he said there are no problems.
I am not aware of any problems of that kind.
If there are no problems here, why are there problems in those countries?
Presumably the deputy is aware that the question of acceptance of the currency of one county in another country is largely a matter of custom and not of law.
I know that.
Therefore, to ask me to explain a custom in this country or another country may be reasonable in the Deputy's view, but it is not reasonable in my view to expect me to be able to answer the question.