Late efforts were made today to persuade people to hand over their loose change to charity ahead of switching to the euro in less than a week's time.
Estimates are that as many as 550 million coins of varying value in the soon-to-become-redundant punt currency are hoarded in the State and that they can be located in about half of the country's households.
Advertising campaigns to get any spare money donated to good causes have been going on for months past, and today Fianna Fail backbencher Mr Pat Carey warned that the coins would become void soon after the changeover to the common European currency took effect.
Mr Carey said the coins were being kept in jam jars, piggy banks and bottles throughout the country.
He added: "This adds up to a unique opportunity for households to play their part in supporting charities.
"Many people underestimate the loose change they have in their possession, and have probably not realised how they could be put to good use.
"In a survey people estimated there was an average £15.44 in each house, but after counting, that figure changed to no less than £24.
"If everyone holding that sum passed it on to a charity of their choice, the benefits would be obvious."
PA