Michael Ring
Question:53 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements to introduce euro notes and coins have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/99]
Written Answers. - Economic and Monetary Union.
Euro notes and coins are to be put into circulation on 1 January 2002 and Irish pound notes and coins will begin to be withdrawn from that date. It is estimated that the changeover will involve the distribution of over 100 million euro notes and up to 1,000 million euro coins and the arrangements for it have not yet been finalised. The Irish Bankers' Federation have commissioned on independent consultancy study on the logistics of the changeover and the consultants have consulted widely, including with the Central Bank, the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland and with various organisations represented on it. Their report is expected to be finalised fairly shortly. It will then be examined by a working group of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland with a view to the preparation of a plan for the changeover.