Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Finance if there are plans by the Government at present to mint a commemorative €2 coin in 2007 and in future years like many other EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8303/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Later this month, in common with the other Euro Member States, the Central Bank will on my behalf issue a €2 commemorative coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. There are no further plans to issue €2 commemorative coins at present.

The Deputy may also be aware that last month, on my behalf, the Central Bank, in cooperation with the Croatian National Bank and the Croatian Monetary Institute, issued a €15 Silver Proof Coin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the original design of the 'Girl with Harp' gifted to the Irish State by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic in 1927. Later this year the Central Bank will participate with other European mints in the Europa Coin Programme, which will have the general theme of "European Achievements". For the programme the Bank will issue a €10 Silver Proof Coin and a €20 Gold Proof Coin celebrating European Celtic Culture, specifically the Irish influence in Europe during the Celtic era. In 2006 Ireland also participated in the Europa Coin Programme with a €10 Silver Proof Coin and a €20 Gold Proof Coin to mark the centenary of the birth of Samuel Beckett.