The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he is in favour of removing 1 and 2 cent coins from circulation.

The Cabinet is discussing a Central Bank report, which recommends phasing out the coppers following a successful trial run of the 'rounding' scheme in Wexford two years ago.

If Ireland does get rid of 1 and 2 cent coins, we would become the sixth country in the European Union to do so.

Five EU members have already dropped the coins - which cost more to mint than they are worth.

Mr Kenny says he would support the move.

Public Expenditure Minster Brendan Howlin says he is also in favour of the change.

And Norma Smurfit, an organiser of Change for Charity, is delighted by the news.

She hopes if the small coppers are phased out, that people will donate them to charity bins in banks across the country.