Taoiseach makes his first purchase in euro The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., said that this was an historic day for Ireland as we join with eleven other European countries in adopting euro notes and coins as our new single currency. He was making his first purchase in euro at his local newsagent, O'Neill's in Drumcondra, today, (Tuesday, 1st January 2002).            "I am pleased that overall, the first phase of the cash changeover in Ireland has been carried out successfully and I compliment all those involved. Already over five million customer accounts have been converted to euro, free of charge by the financial institutions. Telephone and Internet banking have been converted to operate in euro. Over 40,000 point-of-sale terminals for Laser and other card transactions were converted to euro at 4.00a.m. The ATM machines dispensed their last Irish notes at 1.30 this morning and have been coming back into operation on a phased basis, dispensing euro notes, since 6.00a.m.," he said. Mr. Philip Hamell, Chairperson of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland said that the Irish Bankers' Federation and the Irish Mortgage and Savings Association have confirmed that all current accounts, loan accounts, savings accounts, deposit accounts and mortgage accounts have all been successfully converted to euro free of charge by the banks and building societies and that the conversion of accounts in An Post had also taken place as planned. "The banks have confirmed that ATM machines have been coming back into operation and the process is on target to have the majority of them (over 80%, or more than 1,000 ATMs) back in normal operation and dispensing euro notes, mainly €10 and €20 notes, by this evening. They have also reminded customers that existing ATM cards, Laser and credit cards will continue to operate as normal and Personal Identification Numbers remain unchanged," he said.  "Retailers, public transport operators and public houses are starting to give euro notes and coins in change. Toll bridges and parking meters are also accepting euro and Irish pounds. The National Lottery has also confirmed that LOTTO and scratch cards are back on-line. We ask that people use one currency only when paying for an item, rather than offering a mix of euro and Irish pounds. Be patient and allow a little extra time when purchasing goods and services as we all get used to the new currency. Also remember to use the euro coins from your starter packs," Mr. Hamell said. For further information on the changeover, consult your euro changeover Handbook. Information is also available on the Board's website www.euro.ie or from its LoCall number 1890 20 10 50 (Fax number 01-6396203)