From Mr A. P. Sciberras

The NECC chairman replies to comments made on retailers’ representation on euro changeover committee:

“Retailers are being given enough opportunities to be represented on the NECC, as well as contribute positively on euro conversion issues. It is a pity that no one from the GRTU turned up on 8 July when a number of constituted bodies representing the private sector were called for a meeting to explain to them how NECC and its sub-committees will function. The private sector sub-committee, which includes retailers, traders, industrialists, hoteliers and restaurant owners, as well as the institutes of accountancy and taxation, were given the opportunity to organise themselves and appoint the sub-committee’s chairman to represent them on the main committee of NECC. Much to our regret this has not been done, and it is still the only representative sub-committee that has not done so. The consumer and general public sub-committee consisting of consumer groups, unions, women, youth and pensioners associations, the Commission for Disabled and other vulnerable groups appointed their representative within 24 hours. The sub-committees, which are expected to be the major contributors to the drawing up of a concern list and be the major interlocutors to their targeted groups, are considered to be the most important structure in the euro changeover process. The

sub-committees chairman will represent the interests of

the group on the main committee. NECC is already in its

second preparatory meeting and so far the private sector’s seat remains vacant. Our first draft Action Plan for the changeover will be published in autumn this year.

Indeed, it is very true that pricing issues are critical when considering currency conversion. NECC will be giving special consideration to issues of inflation and perception pricing. There are so many other issues that concern the private sector including IT, cash machines and equipment, legal and educational issues. NECC is composed of representatives of the private sector, consumers and the general public, the financial sector, education, public service and public sector, and the legal sector. However, specialised task forces are being set up in the areas of IT, training (public and private sector) and of course pricing. Opportunities for representation in these task forces are now being opened to the relevant interest groups.”

Adrian P. Sciberras

Co-ordinator to the Parliamentary Secretary

Ministry of Finance