I am satisfied that the necessary information has been and continues to be produced and disseminated through the comprehensive efforts of the Forfás EMU business awareness campaign since it was launched in December 1996.
With regard to the plans to intensify the EMU business awareness campaign, a comprehensive programme of activities is in place for this final year of the changeover which will include a major advertising campaign using television, radio, press and Internet advertising, commencing on a phased basis from the week beginning 5 February, new information material will be prepared and distributed to SMEs covering key preparation issues including cash changeover, accounting, software and other aspects as well as specific guidelines for retailers, production of a training pack for all retailers for the purpose of staff training; presentations on the relevant EMU planning issues for business at meetings, conferences and/or seminars of professional, trade and business organisations, particularly those that represent companies in the SME sector, exhibition stands at appropriate conferences, trade and business exhibitions that facilitate dissemination of campaign information, particularly to companies in the SME sector and articles/features in relevant publications, newsletters and journals of trade, business and professional organisations particularly those focused on companies in the SME sector.