John Bruton
Question:6 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the steps, if any, which are planned to make and accept payments in euros for goods and services bought and provided by his Department. [5556/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Departmental Payments.
From Ireland's entry to EMU my Department will make payments in euro where a supplier presents an invoice or specifically requests payment in euro. The payroll and the bulk of financial transactions and accounts will continue to operate in Irish pounds. My Department will accept payments in euro. From the introduction of euro notes and coins in Ireland my Department will make and accept payments in euro and all financial accounts will operate in euro.
Will the Government take any steps to encourage earlier conversion of invoices to the euro denomination or will it simply operate on the basis of responding to demands from suppliers?
Government Departments will at the outset have a system for financial transactions to deal in either Irish pounds or the euro. In the new year, the currency changeover board will devise a comprehensive information campaign for all sectors of the economy and the issue of what timescale will be used will then be considered by the board.