Vol. 541 No. 2
1109 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which his Department is prepared for the introduction of the euro; if he will ensure that the replies to future parliamentary questions show all monetary values in euro and pounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21904/01]
Preparation work for conversion to the euro within my Department is now at an advanced stage. A special departmental committee has overall responsibility for co-ordinating arrangements and monitoring progress in the different areas of the Department. A euro changeover plan was drawn up in 1997 and this plan has been revised and updated as appropriate to ensure that my Department is fully prepared for the changeover to the euro on 1 January 2002.
My Department is involved in extensive preparation work in the areas of finance-accounts, IT systems and staff training. My Department is also monitoring progress in the bodies under its aegis and raising awareness for the changeover to the euro in schools. Progress on the implementation of my Department's euro changeover plan and the plans of the bodies under its aegis remains on target.
I have asked my Department to arrange that, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, between now and 1 January 2002, and for a reasonable period thereafter, all monetary values in replies to parliamentary questions will be shown in euro and Irish pounds.
