Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Euro Changeover.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

246 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which her Department is prepared for the introduction of the euro; if she will ensure that the replies to future parliamentary questions show all monetary values in euros and pounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21894/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

My Department, and the State-sponsored bodies under its aegis, have been preparing for the changeover to the euro since 1996. Monthly reports are now being submitted to Government by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, indicating the state of preparations for the advent of the euro in each Department and office.

In relation to my own Department, the current report indicates that all necessary preparations for the changeover are on schedule. The position is being monitored on a regular basis under the auspices of two changeover committees – one overseeing the internal arrangements and the second overseeing the arrangements in the State-sponsored bodies. I am confident, on the basis of the reports of these two committees, that my Department and the State-sponsored bodies will be fully prepared for the changeover on 1 January 2002.

In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, I shall of course ensure that replies to all future parliamentary questions will show monetary values in euro and Irish pounds, up to the end of the period of dual circulation on 9 February 2002.