I propose to take Questions Nos. 430, 431, 433 and 434 together.
My Department has had a year 2000 remedial programme in place for over 18 months. This programme is progressing satisfactorily and it is expected that all critical systems in the Department will be compliant within the July deadline required by Government.
While my Department does not have a specialist team dealing full time with the year 2000 problem, the remedial programme demands significant input from most officers in the Department's IT unit. In addition, consultants have been engaged to assist with particular aspects of the programme.
Bodies under the aegis of my Department are reporting progress with their remedial programmes to the Department every two months. The number of bodies being monitored by the Department is 51, comprising 34 local authorities and 17 other bodies. Reporting and monitoring of local authorities is being co-ordinated through the Local Government Computer Services Board. All other bodies are reporting progress directly to my Department.
Most local authorities are reporting very good progress in their information technology remedial work. The area of "embedded systems" continues to be the principal cause for concern. These systems are used in water supply, sewage works and traffic control. In order to assist local authorities in this area, a firm of consultants, specialising in the compliance of embedded systems, has been engaged. Taking this into account and the vigorous efforts being made by local authorities throughout the country, I am satisfied that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that remedial work will be completed in the time remaining.