asked the Minister for Finance under what law or authority the Central Bank exercise a veto and/or control over the use of Irish pennies requested for export to the USA, in particular where such coins will be largely circulated with St. Patrick's Day greetings and thereby will be a desirable help in the attraction of American tourists to Ireland; and if he has power to order the Central Bank to sell the coins requested.

Subsection (1) of Section 19 of the Coinage Act, 1950, provides that it shall not be lawful for any person (other than the Central Bank), except under a licence issued by the Minister for Finance, to use any coin otherwise than as currency. In keeping with this provision, the Central Bank does not supply coins for non-currency purposes.

Is the Minister aware that in my correspondence with the Central Bank and their replies to that correspondence, they never once referred to any prohibition resulting from an Act of Parliament but indicated that they reserve the right to censor the purpose for which these coins will be used? Is the Minister prepared to give a licence to export these coins for the purpose stated?

You will not let out the pennies but you let Singer take out the pounds. Do you want a commission on this too?

I will deal with you.

Another Jew baiter.

I have pointed out to the Deputy that "it shall not be lawful for any person (other than the Central Bank) to use any coin otherwise than as currency". One would not expect the Central Bank to quote the law on the matter.

Is the Minister now prepared to issue a licence for the export of these coins, seeing that they are to be used in America to attract tourists and seeing that because the Central Bank did not like the proposition, they would not issue a licence?

It is true that the Minister can issue a licence but I would have to consider the reasons for and against before I could give any reply to that question.