AN Post has introduced a new series of "definitive" stamps depicting Irish birds. Definitive stamps differ from special or commemorative stamps in that they are available for up to five years after issue, rather than for three months,
The Irish birds' collection is the first definitive stamp issue in colour and only the fifth such issue since the State's foundation. The four previous collections were printed in 1922, depicting various historical motifs; in 1968 on Celtic motifs; in 1982 showing Irish architecture through the ages; and in 1990 representing the treasures of Ireland.
The collection was introduced at the Natural History Museum in Dublin yesterday by the Minister for Communications, Mr Dukes.
The five stamps in the series will be issued in three phases during 1997. The birds featured are: the Greenland white-fronted goose (£1); the robin (32p); the blue tit (28p); the barn owl (52p); and the puffin (44p). They are designed by Q Design and illustrated by the ornithological artist Killian Mullarney.