1. When is the euro being introduced?

Euro notes and coins will be introduced on January 1st, 2002. There will be a dual-circulation period until February 9th, during which both euros and Irish pounds co-exist. At midnight on that date, the Irish pound will cease to be legal tender.

A month later, on March 9th, dual display of euro and Irish pound prices will start to be phased out progressively and the euro will be established as our new currency.

2. What is the euro worth?

Each euro is worth roughly £0.79. Put the other way, for every Irish pound you have, you get €1.27.

3. How do I convert from Irish pounds to euro?

The exact exchange rate between the Irish pound and the euro is 0.787564.

To convert from Irish pounds to euro, divide by that figure.

So if you want to know what £5 is in euros, divide 5 by 0.787564 and you get €6.348. Rounded for convenience, you are left with a figure of €6.35.

To convert euros into Irish pounds, multiply the euro figure by 0.787564.

So to find out what €5 is, multiply five by 0.787564 and you get £3.937. After rounding, you are left with £3.94.

Electronic euro converters will be sent out to all homes from the end of November and will save you some work by doing the calculation for you. Conversion charts will also be available.

4. Where can I use the euro? The euro, both notes and coins, can be used in the 12 European Union countries that have signed up to Economic and Monetary Union.

Aside from the Republic, these include Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Britain will not be adopting the euro next year, so sterling will continue to be used in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The other EU states that remain outside the euro zone are Denmark and Sweden.

5. Will it make things more expensive?

Although the nominal value of goods will rise when the price is converted to euros, most retailers have promised not to take advantage of the euro in order to sneak through price increases.

The Director of Consumer Affairs, Ms Carmel Foley, has introduced a logo to be displayed by all retailers who have signed up to a code committing them to fair play.

However, customers are warned to remain vigilant to ensure they are not ripped off. Those with complaints can call Ms Foley's office on 01-4025555.

5. How will my savings be affected?

Banks, building societies and credit unions will simply convert your savings into the equivalent amount of euros from January 1st.

From that date, all lodgements and withdrawals will be in euros.

6. How will it affect my pension?

As with savings, from January 1st the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs will pay out pensions in euros rather than Irish pounds.

The Department's policy is to round up to the nearest 10 cents so the basic old age pension of £106 will become €134.60.

Those who get British or even US pensions will find that the sterling or dollar amounts are converted to euros rather than Irish pounds from January.

7. Where can I get more information about the euro?

Information is available from the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland, which is currently sending out a handbook on the new currency to all homes in the Republic. Its telephone number is 01-6396200 or LoCall 1890 20 10 50.

Other organisations such as the banks and building societies are also providing information on how it will affect their customers. This can be picked up at any branch.

Many senior citizen and active retirement associations are organising training and workshops for members, while voluntary organisations such as St Vincent de Paul and Muintir na T∅re will also provide help and information.