John Scotus Eriugena is the new face on the fiver where Lady Lavery is a watermark.
The new look Irish bank notes are more in line with European currency. The watermark, the portrait and intricate patterns all make the job of the forger that much more difficult. The new notes also use three colour printing for the first time.
The familiar face of Lady Lavery on Irish five pound notes is being relegated to a watermark to be replaced by the face of 9th century philosopher John Scotus Eriugena.
It's brought our design more in line with European currency.
Brian McArdle from the Central Bank outlines the main reasons for the new note designs - increased security, changes in technology and the demand for a smaller note. The new £5 note is one sixth smaller than the previous £5 note, and now fits more easily into most wallets.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 October 1976. The reporter is Conor McAnally.
