asked the Minister for Finance where the latest issue of social insurance stamps was printed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Insurance Stamps.
87.
A new series of nine social insurance stamps was issued on April 1st, 1974. Seven of the series were printed in Ireland and, primarily because of production problems including measures to counteract possible forgery, the remaining two were printed in England. Steps have been taken to ensure that the next issue and all future issues will be printed in Ireland.
In view of the fact that we are given to understand that the Revenue Commissioners here have, perhaps, the most modern stamping machines available, one is at a loss to know why any business should have been moved outside the country.
In this case it was the view of the Revenue Commissioners themselves that, having regard to the large number of stamps involved and to the desirability of producing a new stamp in quick time which would not leave itself open to imitation by foreigners, assistance should have been received from outside in the production of two of the nine stamps that were issued.
Could the Minister indicate the amount of money involved?
I am afraid I have not got that information available but the Deputy will appreciate that it was a small fraction of the total only.
Yes, but there should not be any.
Could the Minister say in what country the two or three were actually printed?
England.
There are so many forgers in England.
As I have said, we have taken steps to ensure that all can be printed in Ireland.