Vol. 452 No. 8
99 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance if he will agree that the present circulation of currency is of very poor quality; the plans, if any, he has to replace it with a stronger unit of good paper and print; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8749/95]
I have been advised by the Central Bank, which is responsible for printing and issuing banknotes, that the paper specification for the current series of notes is higher than that for the previous series and is similar to that of banknotes in other EU countries. The bank also confirms that adequate supplies of new notes are available to replace notes whose quality has deteriorated. However, the bank is aware that there is a particular problem with the condition of the £5 notes in circulation. Consultations are being held with the main banking and retail organisations to identify what further action can be taken to get notes out of circulation when their quality has become unacceptable.
I would also add that the question of the durability and quality of banknotes is kept under constant review by the Central Bank.
