I call on the Government and the Minister for Finance to consult the European Central Bank about introducing €1 and €2 notes. It is important that every effort is made to maintain the euro's standing in international currency markets, but also important to the ordinary European people that their currency is consumer friendly and convenient to handle. The unit of currency can help to ensure stability of prices so that Governments are not allowed to withdraw smaller coins, like the one and two cents. For the affluent sections of society, such coins may not count for much, but for the less well-off, they can help control prices.
We have eight coins and effectively five notes – for I have never seen a €500 note. I doubt if the Minister, his European colleagues, or Wim Duisenberg of the ECB visit shops and supermarkets regularly.