Richard Bruton
Question:280 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if there are special arrangements which he will be making for taxpayers to facilitate the changeover to euro. [29069/01]
Written Answers. - Euro Changeover.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the changeover to the euro has been a corporate priority since 1997. They have worked closely with public and private sector bodies in preparing Revenue's changeover plans. These plans are designed to meet the needs of both business and PAYE customers and are now being implemented.
By way of brief overview, I might mention that since 1 January 1999, Revenue has provided businesses with the facility of conducting their tax and customs affairs in euro or Irish pounds. Take up has been quite low. Revenue's approach to the final changeover of tax and customs affairs to euro is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for all its customers. The plans for the migration of all Revenue business to euro are based on the assumption that the great majority of businesses will continue to trade and keep their accounts in Irish pounds up to 31 December 2001. Accordingly, where possible, businesses will be able to complete their returns in Irish pounds for periods up to 31 December 2001. Businesses, which wish to do so, may elect to complete these returns in euro. In this way, the burden of the final changeover on taxpayers can be minimised.
An integral part of Revenue's euro changeover preparation is keeping business and the public informed as to its changeover plans. To date, Revenue has distributed over 240,000 business guides, 8,000 posters, and various leaflets, newsletters, etc. They have also provided information for inclusion in the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland booklet, recently distributed to all households, and various publications produced by the Forfás EMU business awareness campaign. Revenue intends to issue further notices/reminders to businesses.
Revenue's customer focused approach to the changeover and its rigorous information campaign will help to ensure that the changeover to the euro is as simple and straightforward as possible for all taxpayers.
I should also say that I have put arrangements in place so that Revenue, in line with all Departments, provides monthly progress reports to Government on implementing its euro preparations. I am pleased to report that Revenue's changeover plans are progressing on target.