Small copper coins come a cropper

Ireland is hoping to stop spending millions on pennies from the end of the month.

The Central Bank confirmed plans to go nationwide with a scheme which allows retailers to round bills up or down to the nearest five cent with the consent of shoppers.

Since the euro was introduced in 2001 Ireland has spent €37m issuing 1c and 2c coins — minting the coppers at three times the rate of the rest of the eurozone.