bank notes
I have been following all of the 'deposits' threads closely on AAM as i am terrified of what could happen to my savings. Despite all the warnings, i have not yet moved any of my savings outside of Ireland as none of the options seem particularly satisfactory. Although safety is the primary concern, i don't like the thought of very low interest rates as inflation seems to be on the increase. Now people even seem to be suggesting that even if i were to move my savings outside the state, that the government may still be able to access it in the form of an emergency tax if the account was registered to an irish address. Currently, my savings are mostly split between Nationwide UK and Ulster Bank. I am doing okay financially at the moment but i do envisage some much leaner times ahead and am likely to need my savings in the next few years. In the event of a worst-case scenario (i don't think it will come to it but best to have a back-up plan just in case), i was thinking of stashing a fairly modest amount of hard cash at home (about €2,000). I'm aware of the related risks but would be happy with that amount.
My query is, if Ireland was to leave the Euro, and the money in bank accounts was to be converted to the punt nua and devalued, how would existing notes be affected? Should i ensure that any euro notes stashed are German (i.e. that the serial code begins with an X rather than a T)? In such a situation, would all citizens of Europe need to look at their notes to determine what country they originated in, and if they were stuck with a bum irish note, have to accept a lower amount for it?
Any views would be greatly appreciated.
Caoimhe