FROM ration books to ratifications, Remington typewriters to personal computers, the shilling to the Euro, no one visiting a new exhibition in Dublin could be in any doubt as to what a difference the past four decades have made to the development of the State.
Entitled "From Rome to Amsterdam, 1957-1997", the exhibition, opened on Monday at the European Public Information Centre (EPIC) in Dawson Street, Dublin, is billed as a celebration of 40 years since the beginning of European integration.
Chronicling major events since the Treaty of Rome, when six western European countries established a common market, Ireland's rich tapestry is explored through trivia and other more inventive mediums.
Did you know, for example, that on October 8th, 1968, the first 20 traffic wardens started work on our streets? Or that the first breathalyser was introduced into Ireland on November 3rd, 1969?
If trivia is not your suit, the use of multi-media technology to take a virtual trip around Europe offers even the most ardent technophile a pleasant diversion. Even more intriguing is the trip through medialand, where one can gloat at an Aer Lingus press ad offering applicants a career with the grand starting salary of £850 a year, and wonder at the appeal of clean-cut showbands with names like The Capitol.
What all this has to do with the Treaty of Rome was explained yesterday by Mr Colm Larkin, director of the European Commission representation in Ireland. He was speaking at the City Hall, Cork, at a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the treaty, which he described as a "hugely daring and hugely successful experiment in the building of peace and the creation of common policies between the peoples of Europe".
The Dublin exhibition marks the anniversary and looks back at how Ireland and Europe have changed since 1957. "For example, less than 40 per cent of children had secondary education. Today over 90 per cent complete it," said Mr Larkin.
A poster advising the Irish public on what to expect with the introduction of "new money" is gentle with its understandably confused readers. "Decimal Day, 15th February 1971: Post offices, banks and very many shops will work in decimal money," it reads. If these bewildered shoppers cannot cope, they should, says the poster, "tender high with silver coins and notes" and simply hope for the best.
"From Rome to Amsterdam 1957-1997" continues until April 25th at the EPIC centre. Admission is free.