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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

443 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress to date in ensuring that each agency within his remit is year 2000 compliant; the cost of work done so far; the estimated cost of full compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11792/98]

Work to ensure that this Department and each agency within its remit is year 2000 compliant is ongoing. My Department is providing two-monthly progress reports to the Government's Year 2000 Monitoring Committee on progress in the Department and the agencies under its aegis. This committee was established in September 1997 to oversee the achievement of year 2000 compliance for IT related systems and automated office equipment in Government Departments and in agencies under their remit.

The position in relation to Bord Fáilte, CERT and ADM is as follows:

Bord Fáilte

Bord Fáilte has carried out a detailed survey of all its computer systems, hardware and software, and has identified three systems which have to be replaced. This process of reviewing and evaluating alternative systems is in progress and the total process will be completed by end March 1999. Bord Fáilte also carried out a comprehensive survey of all its non-computer equipment, for example, fax, telephone, lifts etc. and has identified a number which will require further testing and possible upgrades. The total cost of the work to date is £310,000 and an estimate of the outstanding work is £320,000 to replace non-compliant systems.

Cert
Cert has set up an internal task group to ensure that year 2000 issues are dealt with effectively. Year 2000 issues are categorised into IT and non-IT.
Non-IT:
Cert has commissioned a report by its engineering consultants on aspects of compliance. The report will cover such issues as telephone, fax, alarms, pumps etc. Provision has been made for up to £4,000 for the report with a further £20,000 for necessary changes for year 2000 compliance.
Information Technology
As a result of an IT strategy report in 1996, CERT commenced the upgrading of its IT systems. As part of this major investment, year 2000 compliance of all systems was a pre-requisite. Owing to the timing of the upgrade, no additional costs for the year 2000 were incurred for these elements.
CERT needs to replace its accounting systems with year 2000 compliant systems. Provision of at least £75,000 has been made for this upgrade. Detailed research has been carried out and tender documents are currently being prepared.
ADM
The majority of equipment was purchased within the last two years which should ensure that all equipment is year 2000 compliant. This Department has requested ADM to seek compliancy statements from the suppliers in question and to implement a testing programme. The purchase of this equipment is viewed as an integral element of their IT strategy and not as an additional expense to accommodate the year 2000. Testing procedures will be carried out internally and, therefore, no further cost is envisaged at this point.
I am satisfied the agencies under my aegis will be year 2000 compliant in good time.
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