2. Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared for the year ended 31 December 2017, on a cash basis under the historical cost convention except where otherwise stated.
The National Debt Statement is a statement of the total amount of principal borrowed by Ireland not repaid at the end of the year, less cash and other financial assets available for redemption of those liabilities at the same date. The Minister for Finance under various statutes also guarantees borrowings by the State and other agencies. These guarantees are not included in these financial statements.
The presentation currency is euro. All amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest million unless otherwise indicated. Where used, ‘000’ or ‘k’ denotes thousand, and ‘m’ denotes million.
2.1 Receipts and Payments
Receipts and payments relating to the National Debt through the Exchequer Account, Foreign Currency Clearing Accounts and the Capital Services Redemption Account (“CSRA”) are recorded at the time the money is received or payment made.
2.2 Liability Valuation
Debt balances are recorded in the National Debt Statement at their redeemable par value. Where medium or long term debt is issued or cancelled at a premium or discount to its redeemable par value any such premium or discount is accounted for through the Statement of Movement in National Debt. For liabilities where the redeemable par value is linked to inflation, the increase or reduction to the liability due to movements in inflation is accounted for through the Statement of Movement in National Debt.
2.3 Derivatives
Swap agreements and other financial instruments are entered into for hedging purposes as part of the process of managing the National Debt. The results of those hedging activities that are linked with specific borrowing transactions are recognised in accordance with the underlying transactions. The net fund flows arising on hedging activities that are not linked with specific borrowing transactions are included in debt service costs at the time the funds are received or payment made. Where swaps are terminated or converted into other swap instruments the net fund flows affect debt service in accordance with the terms of the revised instrument.
2.4 Foreign Currencies
Receipts and payments in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Liabilities and assets in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end date.