As we all know money is power, but so also are knowledge and information. We conducted a random survey in Claremorris to ascertain the level of interest and information about the Euro.

We surveyed 100 people and the following are our findings:

 

• Only 54 people actually returned the questionnaires.
• 94% of respondents knew what the Euro was.
• 48% were correct about when the Euro will be introduced.
• Only 29% of people knew that there were 15 countries in the EU.
• When asked what countries had opted out of the Euro only 9% of people could name the 4 'Outs'.
• 72% of people felt that they didn't have enough information in relation to the Euro but notwithstanding 61% believe that the introduction of the Euro will benefit the Irish.
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• The main advantage cited was:
  • that trade and holidays would be easier as there will be no currency exchange problems.
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• The main disadvantages perceived were:
  • Britain's decision to opt out will impact very adversely on Ireland as Britain is our main trading partner.
  • People also feared the loss of identity and the loss of autonomy in relation to interest rates and control of inflation!
  • Generally people believe, particularly those who remember 'decimalisation' i.e. when the traditional Irish currency was updated to decimal currency in the early seventies, that during the actual transition period prices will escalate!

   

Researchers and Compilers:

The Euro: Gemma Prendergast, Maria Mulryan, Nicola Walsh, Laurette Nestor, Noreen Goggins, Irene Donnelly, Naomi Hunt, Aoife Egan, Nicola Kean, Caoimhe Weeks, Paula Prendergast.

Power of Money & Survey: Aoife Conroy, Patricia Boyle, Holly Geraghty, Anne-Marie Mongan, Olivia Ronayne, Aisling Madden.

Sources: Euro Web Page; Ulster Bank Claremorris; World Book.