Tom Enright
Ceist:124 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Finance if the Irish Government will propose a 1 euro note at EMU level, to emphasis the importance and standing of the euro as the unit of currency in the euro zone. [23790/00]
Written Answers. - Euro Currency.
Tom Enright
Ceist:125 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many Irish citizens are of the opinion that a euro note is preferable to a euro coin, and that having a coin as the denomination for the currency actually devalues the currency. [23791/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
I am not aware of the basis for the Deputy's contention that many Irish citizens are of the opinion that a euro note is preferable to a euro coin, or for the view that having a one euro coin rather than a one euro note devalues the currency. Indeed I would point out that the unit of national currency in Ireland and in other EU countries is at present in the form of a coin rather than a note. It has long been decided at EU level that the lowest value euro note will be a 5 euro note and that the coin denominations will include a 1 euro coin and a 2 euro coin. Given that the introduction of euro notes and coins on 1 January 2002 is less than 15 months away and that preparations for it are well advanced, I have no plans to propose that there should be a 1 euro note.