Vol. 506 No. 5
49 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that consumers are not subjected to unjustified price increases arising from the introduction of the euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15851/99]
The Deputy may be aware that I recently launched a national code of practice on dual display of prices as part of a programme of information designed to ensure consumers will not be exploited by the changeover from the pound to the euro.
The purpose of the new code is to inform consumers by providing for transparency in the pricing of goods and services during the changeover from the pound to the euro and to assist consumers, in a practical way, to become familiar with pricing in the new currency. The code is designed for retailers and other suppliers of goods and services. Among its features is a strict rule on conversion from Irish pound prices to euros – the six digit conversion rate of 1 euro = 0.787564 – must always be used.
I am satisfied from the extensive work done by business organisations in bringing forward other codes to meet specific circumstances and from the excellent co-operation received by my Department in preparing the national code, that there is a clear determination on the part of industry not to take advantage of the changeover process to exploit consumers.
I am determined that consumers will be adequately informed in advance about the changeover and that there will be no information deficit as far as consumers are concerned.
