Small businesses employing less than 50 people are "almost indifferent" to the approaching introduction of the euro, according to the Small Firms Association (SFA).

A survey by the association of 513 companies employing less than 50 people each found that 77 per cent had not consulted suppliers about the January introduction of the single currency, while 52 per cent had not consulted on IT.

It also found that 85 per cent of respondents had not consulted with customers about the matter and that 71 per cent had not consulted staff. The respondents were engaged in the manufacturing, distribution, retail and services sectors.

"Despite a government funded campaign most small companies remain apathetic about the euro and they do not have people who can be diverted to euro preparation," said Mr Pat Delaney, director of the SFA. The association is to itself initiate a scheme to increase awareness and preparation.

The chief executive of the republic's largest accountancy body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, has said there is "worrying evidence" that many Irish businesses are lagging behind in their preparation for the euro.

Mr Brian Walsh said an email survey found that half of those accountants who responded considered there had been limited preparation across Irish business generally for the currency changeover. Issues pinpointed as likely to cause most difficulty were price points, transparency and dual pricing.

Mr Walsh pointed out that tomorrow is Europe Day and called on all businesses, large and small, to mark the day by resolving to prioritise their euro changeover policies.