Sir,– You state that Ireland has been minting 1 cent and 2 cent coins at three times the rate of the EU average ("Government confirms end of 1 cent and 2 cent coins", June 16th). We had been putting ours in jars for the last few years so I decided it was time to put them back into circulation. I got bags from the bank, counted and sorted the coins and off I went.
The first attempt was the local credit union, as we do not have a local bank branch. The credit union does not accept bags of coins.
My second attempt was at Permanent Tsb in Stillorgan at 3.15pm. The bank is open until 5pm but the cash desk was closed. When I asked why, I was told it was because it closes at 3pm since April last year. I was also told I could use the machines to make a lodgment if I liked but that the machines do not take coins!
My third attempt was at Bank of Ireland, across the road. Here I was welcomed by a cheerful member of staff who directed me to the cash counter. After queuing, I was told they would take the coins but only if I was going to lodge it to an account. I don’t have an account there, so they could not take the coins either.
Is it any wonder we mint three times as many coins? I have no doubt it is three times harder to get a financial institution to accept legal tender here. – Yours, etc,
MAIREAD LEHANE,
Shankill,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Prices may be rounded up as well as down. – Yours, etc,
PAUL DELANEY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Will there be less fumbling in greasy tills? – Yours, etc,
BRIAN AHERN,
Clonsilla,
Dublin 15.