Michael Ring
Question:12 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that his Department and Irish embassies abroad have prepared adequately for the year 2000 computer problem. [12401/98]
Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.
In my written reply on Tuesday last to Deputy Quinn's parliamentary question on the progress of the various agencies under my remit towards Year 2000 compliance I outlined the position relative to the Department of Foreign Affairs which includes embassies abroad. The Department has drawn up a plan to ensure that it is Year 2000 compliant by the end of 1999. This plan covers all IT hardware and software along with other office equipment and plant.
The plan includes the following: an inventory of all hardware and software in the Department, close contact with suppliers, on-site testing and replacement/upgrading of any non-compliant hardware or software. Work on implementation of the plan is currently under way. The plan was submitted to the interdepartmental Year 2000 monitoring committee in December 1997 and a quarterly report was made in April 1998. Within the Department two committees have been set up to monitor and oversee progress, one relating to the Department itself and the other to the agencies under the aegis of the Department.
The Department in common with other agencies in the public and private sectors is acutely conscious of the need to ensure that services are not disrupted by the potential failure of equipment due to the Year 2000 problem. It has already examined the risk levels posed to the various services it provides for the public and to the internal operations essential to its workings. The Department is accordingly prioritising these elements with a view to achieving full compliance of all systems.