Decimal Currency Act, 1969

Provision of coins in lieu of cupro-nickel coins.

4.—(1) In this section “metal” does not include gold or silver.

(2) (a) The Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, by order (in this section referred to as a new coinage order) declare that it is expedient to provide coins of a specified metal or a specified mixture of metals, other than cupro-nickel (whether or not including copper or nickel), of any specified denomination of cupro-nickel coin which the Minister is authorised by or under section 3 of this Act to provide.

(b) A new coinage order relating to coins of a particular denomination shall specify the standard weight and standard composition of those coins and the remedy (or variation from the standard weight and standard composition) to be allowed in respect thereof.

(c) The Minister may by order amend or revoke a new coinage order.

(d) No order under this subsection shall come into force unless and until it has been confirmed by resolution of each House of the Oireachtas.

(3) Where a new coinage order is in force—

(a) the Minister may provide coins to which the order relates and take such steps as he thinks proper for the provision of such coins,

(b) the Minister shall not provide under section 3 of this Act any cupro-nickel coins of the like denomination as the coins to which the order relates.

(4) Every coin provided under this section shall be of the standard weight and standard composition specified in respect thereof in the new coinage order relating to such coin, but there shall be allowed in respect thereof the remedy (or variation from the standard weight and standard composition) stated in respect thereof in the order.

(5) The Minister may by regulations prescribe the dimensions and design of the several denominations of coins provided under this section and every coin so provided shall be of the dimensions and design so prescribed in respect thereof.