Vol. 476 No. 1
28 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he proposes to launch a campaign and establish a helpline to deal with the so-called year 2000 computer problem which would be aimed at both business and consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/97]
The problem associated with the year 2000 derives from the practice of representing the year in a two digit format, yy, i.e., the year 1984 is represented by `84'. This solution worked for many years. However, the advent of the new millennium creates potential problems. Using the two digit date system, computers will interpret `00' not as 2000 but 1900.
There are many possible implications for computer systems, for example, a computer programme calculating ages could mistakenly consider someone born in 1925 to be 25 years old and not 75. Applications could also sort dates incorrectly. Banks calculating interest levels could find that programmes yield seriously incorrect values. Telecom operators could have problems with their switching hardware and charging problems.
It is of course, a matter for individual businesses and other users of computer systems to assess the implications of the year 2000 for their systems and to determine the solution.
Notwithstanding the considerable press coverage that this issue has already received, I am anxious to assist in raising awareness of the potential problem. To this end, at my request, Forfás has prepared a report on this issue and meetings have taken place between officers from my Department, the industrial development agencies and industry representative bodies to explore how best to proceed with an awareness campaign focused on business. In addition, the Director of Consumer Affairs intends to consult with industry generally and will then determine what actions might be appropriate to advise consumers in this matter.
It is not clear that a helpline would be practical or useful given the need for each business or user to assess the implications for their individual systems and in view of the wide-ranging variety of problems which the century change will cause.
