The 75th anniversary of the founding of the State has been marked by four postage stamps issued by An Post yesterday.
They depict institutions which have provided an essential service, according to the chairman of An Post, Mr Stephen O'Connor. They are part of a series of 16 to be issued during the year.
One of the 32p stamps depicts Dail Eireann and a copy of the Constitution to represent the legislature. A second 32p stamp shows members of the Defence Forces with their badge and a UN flag.
The two 52p stamps show the Four Courts with the scales of justice, and members of the Garda Siochana.
Launching the stamps the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, described them as "miniatures glimpsed by busy people", but with a huge impact.
