Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance the composition of the metals used in the production of Euro coins here; where the metals are sourced.. [45735/12]

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance the mines from from which the metals are sourced for the production of euro coins here; and if these mines abide by appropriate health and safety standards and employment practices. [45736/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.

The Central Bank of Ireland acts as an agent of the Minister of Finance in the production and the issuing of euro coins. The composition of the metals used in the production of Euro coins is set out in Council Regulations (EC) No 423/1999 and No 975/98, both of which were published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Central Bank tenders for its coin blank requirements and does not source the metal to be used. The Central Bank currently has a framework agreement in place with the South African Mint (Pty) Ltd, for the provision of 1 cent, 2 cent and 5 cent Euro coin blanks. The Central Bank does not currently have a framework agreement in place for the supply of coin blanks for the 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 coins. As part of this framework agreement, the South African Mint (Pty) Ltd was required to declare that it is fully compliant in respect of its statutory obligations relating to all relevant employment and Health & Safety legislation and regulations. The contract in place is for the purchase of coin blanks, as the Central Bank does not itself source metals for the production of Euro coins.