I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 86 together.
The Government emphasis in this area has been on raising awareness of the various issues involved. One of these issues has been the need for individual businesses to clarify the security of their trading arrangements with business partners. It would be neither appropriate nor possible for the Government to attempt to check on the state of Y2K preparedness of the wide range of countries with which Ireland trades.
I am aware of the variety of responses in other countries to this global issue. The Government campaign on the Y2K issue for Ireland, which has been carefully considered in the context of our specific needs, has already been recognised abroad as putting us to the fore in terms of preparedness. I am pleased to note that the State's efforts have been recognised internationally. Studies by international observers put Ireland in the same league as Australia, Canada, Holland, the UK and the USA at the best state of readiness. It is not considered that specific legislation would be helpful in this regard.