Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McNamara for submitting this topic for discussion as it is a matter in which I have an interest.

I understand the Central Bank's numismatic advisory committee has recommended that in 2014 the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf be marked with the issue of a €20 gold proof coin. The Central Bank will shortly submit its recommendations for the 2014 collector coin programme to the Minister for Finance for approval. I expect the Minister will take a favourable view on the recommendation for a coin to mark the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf. The Central Bank's plans would involve the issue of a small gold coin with a weight of 0.5g and a likely issue limit of 10,000.

Deputies may be interested to learn that later this year the Central Bank will issue collector coins to mark the centenary of the 1913 Lock-out and the 50th anniversary of the visit of President John F. Kennedy to Ireland in 1963. Next year will also see the issue of a small gold coin with a Celtic theme that will feature the Rock of Cashel.

Recent collector coin issues by the Central Bank have been very successful, with the James Joyce coin, to which the Deputy referred, and Michael Collins coin selling out almost immediately after their launch. I am sure the Battle of Clontarf millennium coin will also be very popular. I am not sure if this will satisfy the Deputy as I am not certain whether he wants the place of birth of Brian Boru or the place of his heroic death to be commemorated.

See this speech in context