Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Computer Programmes.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

116 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the arrangements, if any, he has put in place in his Department to offset any adverse effects of the millennium bug; the effects the millennium bug will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23518/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

My Department has initiated a year 2000 compliance programme for its IT systems, office equipment and other plant with a view to achieving compliance by 30 June 1999. A year 2000 advisory group is being tasked with the co-ordination and monitoring of progress of the programme.

The key strategies of the programme to achieve compliance are: assignment of resources to initiate the programme; detailed inventory of IT systems, equipment and plant; assessment of compliance of identified systems; prioritisation of work based on outcome of assessment; and project scheduling-timetables to achieve compliance.

A detailed inventory of the Department's IT systems and software in use has been compiled. The Department has drawn up timetables for the assessment and testing of the most critical systems to avoid any interruption to the Department's business. A more detailed timetable of projects to ensure completion of the programme within a realistic time-scale will be completed by mid-December 1998.

The software systems which are in use in the Department are broken into two categories — developed systems, where there has been some customisation involved, and "off the shelf" products which are used as installed out of the box. The vast majority of the Department's software falls into the latter category and year 2000 compliant versions will, in most instances, be available should the versions currently in use create difficulties. The resource implications of dealing with customised software are being addressed by the Department as a priority.

In addition to normal office plant and equipment, the Department operates a major communications network for marine emergency response by the Irish Marine Emergency Rescue Services, IMES. This equipment includes transmitters, radio consoles, UPS, etc. All equipment used by IMES is critical to the Department's business. A detailed inventory and assessment of all office plant and equipment is being prepared with a view to ensuring compliance at an early date.

Once the assessment of the compliance status of all systems is known the programme will focus on the replacement or upgrading needs of prioritised systems. My Department aims to achieve compliance by 30 June 1999.