asked the Minister for Finance whether he intends, in the event of a rationalisation and re-design of the coinage being decided on, (a) to consult the Arts Council on the best way to achieve an aesthetically satisfactory result and (b) in any event to hold an open competition for new designs.

In the event of a redesign of the coinage being decided upon by the Government, it would be my intention, as indicated in the reply to a question on 13 July 1982, to consult the Arts Council on the design aspect, including the question of whether an open competition should be held.

Will the Minister consult any other experts besides the Arts Council?

I had not given any consideration to the consultation of other experts. If the Deputy has another body to suggest who might appropriately be consulted I would be happy to bear it in mind.

Will the Minister accept that this question and similar questions illustrate the serious mistake that he and the Government made in not nominating to the Arts Council on this occasion anyone from the architectural profession?

That seems to be a separate question.

It is a separate question and is one I do not propose to comment on since I feel that the choices made in relation to the Arts Council are ones which were perfectly justified.