Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has contingency plans in the event of difficulties arising in the process of the changeover to the euro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30194/01]
Written Answers. - Euro Changeover.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the position regarding the introduction of the euro; if he expects a smooth changeover on 1 January 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30195/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
Preparations for the changeover to the euro are well advanced. While it would not be realistic to expect such an operation to be completed entirely without difficulty, I am confident that the changeover will proceed reasonably smoothly between 1 January and the end of the dual circulation period at midnight on Saturday, 9 February 2002. Appropriate contingency planning is nevertheless proceeding, within the context of the extensive preparations already made and being made. The changeover to the euro involves preparation of legislation, production of euro cash, preparations by the public sector and by businesses, consumer matters and the provision of widescale public information. Substantial preparations have been made under each of these headings.
A great deal of legislation dealing with the euro has been put in place. The Euro Changeover (Amounts) Act, 2001, provides for the substitution, with effect from 1 January 2002, of convenient euro amounts for Irish pound amounts at specific references in listed Acts and statutory instruments. Together with the Finance Act, 2001, the Social Welfare Act, 2001, and other relevant legislation, it will provide for a framework of convenient euro amounts to apply from 1 January 2002, in the principal areas of law under which citizens transact business with the State. In all cases of changes to convenient amounts under this legislation, the principle of favouring the citizen has been followed. Irish pound amounts in law that are not affected by the Act will be converted to euro on 1 January 2002 at the conversion rate, under Council Regulation (EC) No. 974/98.
I am advised by the Central Bank that euro note and coin production is on target, and that the frontloading of euro cash is progressing satisfactorily. Each Government Department is responsible for its euro preparations and those of the bodies under its aegis. Their progress on preparations is monitored by my Department and their reports confirm that these preparations continue to be satisfactory.
Business preparations are primarily a matter for businesses themselves. However, the Forfás EMU business awareness campaign has been providing extensive information in various ways for companies preparing for the changeover and is continuing to do so. Also, in view of the role of retailers in the changeover, Forfás has taken many initiatives to help retailers, including the distribution of a specific guide earlier in the year and production of a training kit which has been sent to all retailers. Forfás has also been working closely with FÁS, which has been providing training for retailers and sales assistants around the country. Finally, Forfás will from this week be sending another information pack to retailers, stressing the key final messages.
Consumer matters are for my colleague, Deputy Tom Kitt, the Minister of State with responsibility for consumer affairs and for the Director of Consumer Affairs. The national code of practice on the euro changeover was relaunched in December 2000, along with an action plan for consumer protection during the changeover and this plan is being implemented.
The Euro Changeover Board of Ireland has carried out extensive public information activities since its establishment in 1998. These have included sending a leaflet to every household in 1998, 1999, 2000 and again this year, widespread circulation of posters and leaflets, provision of a website and lo-call inquiry line, distribution of information packs to schools and of guidelines to every teacher and the making available of almost 5000 packs aimed at training trainers. National television, radio and press campaigns commenced in late 2000. The needs of low-awareness and special needs groups are addressed through the board's consultative panel, and many of the projects in the board's programme of part-funding for non-Governmental organisations involve carrying out euro information activities for these groups.
In October, the board arranged for the distribution to households of a handbook on the changeover to the euro, while An Post is currently delivering an electronic converter to households, with distribution scheduled for completion by 10 December. These initiatives will build on the substantial levels of awareness already achieved. Advertising on the euro will continue, while leaflets will be made widely available to advise the public how we can help the changeover to run smoothly, as set out in the euro handbook. Finally, starter packs of euro coins will be put on sale from mid-December to enable people to familiarise themselves with the new coins in advance of 1 January, as well as helping to facilitate the changeover from that date.