§ Lord Harrisonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be the positive and negative effects over the next decade on Northern Ireland, which shares a common border with the Republic of Ireland, of the advent of the euro, whether or not the United Kingdom adopts the euro. [HL1544]
§ Baroness Farrington of RibbletonThe implications for Northern Ireland of the advent of the euro are the same as those for the UK as a whole. However, due to Northern Ireland's land border and trading patterns with the Republic of Ireland, some of these may be more pronounced or immediate. Since July 1998 the Northern Ireland Euro Preparations Forum has been actively involved in promoting awareness and providing support to the business community in Northern Ireland. The message is that local companies should assess the balance of competitive threats and opportunities, after discussing the euro situation with their customers and suppliers, and should then devise strategies to implement the necessary changes.