Q: I am going on holiday to France in January. Will they have a dual circulation period like us here in Ireland and if so, is it the same length throughout the euro zone?
A: The French will have a dual circulation period like ourselves. However, francs will continue to be legal tender until February 17th, although February 9th is the last day for using the pound in Ireland. The other euro zone countries have taken a more relaxed approach, according to the European Consumer Information Centre. In Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, the national currency will be legal tender until February 28th. Germany is insisting that the euro should take over from the old currency on January 1st. However, the use of deutschmark banknotes and coins is expected to be allowed until February 28th.
Q: Please advise on an exchange rate of euro to sterling pound. Who would decide a fixed rate if the UK joined on January 1st? Any suggestion on likely rate? (From John McCormack, Limerick, by e-mail)
A: Yesterday, the euro was worth .6213 against sterling, according to the Central Bank of Ireland. However, Mr Felix O'Regan of the Irish Bankers' Federation cautioned against speculating on a likely rate of exchange, should Britain sign up to the euro. "Anybody who makes a stab at it would be a fool or knows a damn sight more than most other people." The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, has ruled out full membership of the euro until after a referendum, but some believe its introduction in the 12 member- states will increase pressure on Britain to join. In the meantime, the exchange rate will fluctuate in the same way it does at present between the Irish pound and sterling. Should Britain join, the rate would be decided by the British government in consultation with its potential European partners, Mr O'Regan said.
Q: How much is The Irish Times going to cost? Will you be tempted to round up or down for convenience? (From Mr Mark A. Perry, Cambridge)
A: The acting managing director of The Irish Times, Ms Maeve Donovan, said there would be no change in the price of the paper. "Our plan is to transfer to €1.27," she said. Meanwhile, the Irish Independent has raised the cover price of its Saturday edition to £1.10 (€1.40) from £1. The increase was blamed on "heavy production costs coupled with extra pagination on the Weekend Magazine".