Seán Ryan
Ceist:40 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to redesign the Irish currency notes and coins; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Redesign of Irish Currency.
On the 30 April this year, I announced that a new 5p coin would be introduced this June. The new coin will be lighter and smaller than the current 5p coin but will retain the existing design.
It is planned to introduce a new 10p coin in 1993. The new lOp coin will also be lighter and smaller than the crurrent 10p coin. The existing salmon design will be retained on the new 1Op coin but will be altered so as to face left. This will also be the case with the new 5p coin.
Under Section 118 of the Central Bank Act, 1989, the issue of the currency notes is a matter for the Central Bank.
The Central Bank has informed me of proposals to design a new series of notes which will incorporate additional security features. The specific details of the new notes will be announced by the Bank in due course.