Northern Ireland's assembly will today debate whether to call on the UK government to allow euro notes and coins to be recognised as legal tender alongside sterling from January.

The province's border with the Irish Republic is one of three divides within the European Union between the single currency zone and non-member states.

Jane Morrice, assembly member for the women's coalition, sponsoring the motion, said that arrangements were needed for special circumstances, and "Northern Ireland is no stranger to special circumstances".

Nigel Falls, Bank of England agent for Northern Ireland, said the province was "far more exposed so I can see why the issue is being raised".

The province's devolved government does not have responsibility for currency issues, which are handled by central government. But Ms Morrice wants London to give a commitment that any future euro referendum would treat the result in Northern Ireland separately.

The province relies on euro countries for two thirds of its tourists. The Irish Republic is the largest export market.

Ms Morrice believes there is wide support for early UK euro entry among Northern Ireland's small business, farming, tourism, foreign investment and transport sectors.

"The punt is already creeping across the border. But it didn't have the backing of 350m users as the euro will have," said Ms Morrice.

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