Vol. 526 No. 3
236 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the European Federation of Coins Associations on the introduction of euro coins; if he has made any submissions to a person (details supplied) of the European Commission in respect of these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/00]
I am aware of the concerns of the European Federation of Coin Machine Associations about the introduction of euro coins. My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission, including the person referred to, with a view to finding an effective way to meet those concerns. The ECOFIN conclusions of 5 June 2000 set out arrangements for giving manufacturers of coin validating machines access to samples of the coins. Discussions are now taking place between the European Commission and the member states with a view to facilitating other parties in the vending machine industry.
