Irish retailers receive euro conversion kit
Ireland has moved a step nearer the euro currency today with the delivery of a special kit to retailers nationwide.
The package - made available by the government’s Forfas advisory agency, included a euro calculator, a ready-reckoner giving the equivalent values of all present Irish money amounts from one pence to £250 in the new currency, a conversion chart, notes and coins for training, in-store display posters and a manual complete with training exercises.
The euro makes its bow in Ireland and most other European Union states on January 1, 2002, when transactions in punts will automatically come to an end.
Launching the conversion kit, the Tanaiste and Enterprise Trade and Employment Minister Mary Harney said that with only 81 days to go before the changeover, businesses had to make the moves necessary to ensure they were ready.
She stressed: ‘‘Retailers and their staff have a fundamental role to play, not only in making the changeover to euro happen, but also in facilitating its acceptance by consumers.
‘‘Staff will have to assist by dealing with queries and explaining the new euro values. Training will be vital if this is to be achieved effectively and customer confidence is to be maintained.’’
Forfas chief executive John Travers described their euro kit as ‘‘the most comprehensive resource to be developed as yet’’.
