The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, was accused of appearing in euro-changeover advertisements to "boost his political profile in the run-up to the general election".

"Is it not a fact that all we are short of now is seeing the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, reading the news or introducing personalities from around the country on his 'The Dermot Ahern Show'?" asked Mr Tommy Broughan (Lab, Dublin North-East).

He suggested there was a "real danger" that people might be turned off by the adverts and not listen to them because of the "prominent use of the Minister's face, smiling out at the public".

Mr Ahern said he made "no apology for the advertisements". His personal involvement in the current euro media campaign "emphasises the importance of the message being conveyed and the importance the Government attaches to a smooth and effective turnover".

The media campaign cost £130,000 and was aimed at social welfare recipients.