With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to questions on this subject on Thursday, 30 October 1980. In addition, the Central Bank have informed me that on the introduction between 1976 and 1980 of the new £1, £5, £10 and £20 legal tender notes, colour photographs or actual specimens of each note, as appropriate, together with information sheets containing full details of note design specifications were forwarded to all central banks throughout the world, bankers associations within the EEC, Interpol, commercial banks located at major airports throughout the EEC and also the Interchange Bulletin — an agency which circulates comercial banks and exchange bureaux worldwide with colour photographs and background details of new note issues.
As a result of approaches by the Central Bank within the past year, the Irish pound is now officially quoted on the foreign exchange markets in Austria, Spain and Portugal. I am informed that the Irish pound is already quoted on the foreign exchange markets of the other EEC states.
As indicated in my reply to the earlier questions on 30 October last, the difficulties that arise in EEC and other countries in relation to the exchange of our currency tend to arise at commercial locations, such as banks and shops. Their attitude to a foreign currency will be governed by commercial considerations and they cannot be legally compelled to exchange or accept in payment currency other than their own. I am satisfied that my Department and the Central Bank are taking all reasonable steps to make our currency better known abroad but, as I have already said in the House, there are definite limits to what can be achieved by official action.
8.
