Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I wish to add my voice to those who so coherently called for a debate on crime.

It would be remiss of this House if it allowed today go by without reference and congratulations to His Holiness Pope John Paul II on his 25th jubilee which takes place today. We all remember 24 years ago when he came to Ireland how the country stood still and the joy we experienced on that occasion. He is the most travelled Pope and the third longest serving Pope, a fact of which I was unaware. He is also the first non-Italian Pope for 400 years. We should remember him today with joy and recognition of that achievement.

I wish to draw the Leader's attention to a point which came to my notice last week, that is, a call by the Governments of Italy and Greece for a return to notes instead of coins for the €1 and €2 denominations. Apparently they blame the coins for the increase in prices because people in those countries are used to coins being of little value. It is a call we should reject and I urge the Minister for Finance not to give way to that move.