Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

79 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the state of preparedness of Irish companies to deal with the millennium bug problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4170/99]

Nora Owen

Question:

112 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the state of preparedness of Irish companies to deal with the millennium bug problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4190/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 112 together.

As the Minister with responsibility for the year 2000 problem I launched a National Business Awareness Campaign in May of last year. The success of this campaign is evidenced by a survey, conducted by the Irish Computer Society, which showed that almost nine out of ten businesses are aware of the year 2000 problem. It also showed, however, that only 52 per cent of companies had already begun year 2000 projects. I understand that a follow-on survey to be released shortly indicates an increase of 5 per cent of companies which have started their year 2000 projects.

To heighten awareness of the need to take early and definitive action, I recently launched the Enterprise Ireland National Y2K Information Service specifically geared to the needs of both small and medium sized companies. The new information service includes a helpline number. Callers will be provided with an information pack including a directory of Y2K consultants and service providers. In addition, the service will provide a series of training workshops both to companies and to intermediaries such as the county and city enterprise boards and many others.

The new information service will also operate a dedicated website providing updated versions of its information pack and various other relevant material. The Y2K website will provide links to other suitable sites of direct benefit to small and medium enterprises.

Last week I was delighted to launch the Small Firms Association Year 2000 Support Programme which I believe will have significant impact. The campaign includes a hotline which will provide expert advice and information to callers commencing on 10 February and running for the duration of 1999.

A newsletter,Bugwatch 2,000, will be published at regular intervals during the campaign providing information on checklists, case studies, articles from insurance, legal, health and safety and technical specialists. In order to gain the widest impact, part of the awareness campaign will comprise of a number of seminars held in different regional locations at which information packs and other material will be made available. A survey of those attending the seminars will be con ducted to assess their level of awareness and preparedness for year 2000. Finally, as part of the campaign, SFA and IBEC are launching a national pledge calling on all companies to sign up to a voluntary code of compliance.

Nevertheless, I am still concerned about the levels of preparedness of Irish companies to deal with the millennium bug problem. To try to gauge their preparedness Enterprise Ireland, in conjunction with the other development agencies and industry bodies, will launch before the end of this month a comprehensive national survey on the levels of compliance and activities of Irish companies. This survey will be repeated every quarter for the remainder of the year to assess the changing levels of compliance and to direct actions to stimulate compliance. I am also encouraging the industry representative bodies, in particular in the banking and insurance sectors, to use their influence with their members, business customers and clients to generate accelerated compliance activity.