Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE CENTRAL BANK of Ireland has insisted it has not begun reprinting the Irish punt, after a newspaper reported that the bank was looking into the purchase of new printing presses in case the euro collapses.
The Wall Street Journal says the bank has been “evaluating” the need to add to its stock of printing presses, as a part of its contingency plans should Ireland either abandon the euro, or the euro collapse altogether.
According to David Enrich, Deborah Ball and Alistair Macdonald’s report:
Officials have discussed reactivating old printers or enlisting a private company, the people said. ”All kinds of things are being looked at that weren’t being looked at two months ago,” according to a person at one meeting.
This morning, however, the bank insisted that it was still printing solely euro currency.
“We are not printing punts,” the spokeswoman asserted.
The bank holds only a small holding of foreign cash – with “only a small holding of US dollar” in its assets, which a spokesman previously told us was “held on a hedged basis”.
The Central Bank’s mint in Sandyford, which previously produced all Irish punts, remains in operation – though it now exclusively prints euro banknotes, and other ceremonial state coins.
Its 2010 annual report said it had produced almost 400 million banknotes last year, including 174 million €50 notes – worth some €8.68 billion – and another 114 million €20 notes, worth €2.28 billion.
Altogether, the mint produced just under €12 billion worth of euro currency last year.
The bank – which continues to exchange Irish punt currency for euro at its Dublin headquarters – also said it had exchanged €3.3 million (IR£2.6 million) of old Irish currency in 2010.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
RIP,another family’s heartbreak this evening :(
RIP
I hope it’s not James it would be such a waste of a young life.
seriously,how many other bodies are floating around in that river at any one time?
It would be someone else’s waste if life then….
I hate to have say this why are people red thumbing that comment?
So sad news, I know body isn’t identified yet, thoughts with family at such a sad time, too young to die
What are the thumbs down about? I can’t see any contentious statements above!
Richard just ignore the red thumbs on this story We all try too it is such a sad story for the Family who have to deal with this R.I.P and thought for the family
Oh no… :-/
I hope it not James for hisfamly
Thumbs down because any loss of life is sad whatever the age.
I agree Laura but I thought the idea of the thumbs was to make a statement about the comment. Apologies if I have misunderstood.
you havent mis understood at all,the thumbs system is indeed to indicate ones aggreement/disaggreement with a comment..people will thumbs down anything said on this site,no matter what it is
well done to the boyne river rescue….a grim task indeed. my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
at least who ever it is has been.found. not in the way any family Will ever hope for but it Will be at least some peace for them. what a heartbreaking time for all concerned. rip.
Dont worry I seen the red thumb record here 1097 so I wouldnt take it personal sometimes with the iPhone or smart (not so Smart) when scrolling down page sometimes ppl hit off it by error I know I for one have .
R I P . Condolences to the family of the deceased .
RIP to this poor soul, it’s someone’s son, brother etc. May his family gain the strength they will need to get them through the next week. how gives a flying f%@k about red thumbers. They are irrelevant. Trolls will be trolls.
at least who ever it is has been.found. not in the way any family Will ever hope for but it Will be at least some peace for them. what a heartbreaking time for all concerned. rip.
Very sad that someone’s son has be taken out of the river
As for the red thumbs why won’t the journal get rid of this red / green
Thumbs crap
People are saying ” I hope it’s not James” . It’s somebody, and someone’s son!! Whoever it is are facing devastation.. I hope it’s not James just pushes the reality to some other poor family
am I right that the body found was that poor boy James,tragic,his life taken so young,only making his way in the world god be good to him
Why was my comment deleted?
Because the journal is like that … Very picky in my opinion and just a tad conservative … It likes to think it’s an important broadsheet , but it’s not really that far removed from most Red-Tops!! Shrude and moronic!!
have your say