Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.
Michael Ferris
Question:
36
Mr. Ferris
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
if he has satisfied himself that all sectors of the tourism industry are preparing adequately to deal with the year 2000 computer problem; the advice or assistance, if any, available from his Department to help sectors of the industry deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15480/99]
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
(Dr. McDaid): Bord Fáilte and CERT are participants on my Department's year 2000 monitoring committee, which has already met on a number of occasions to ensure achievement of year 2000 compliance.
My Department has already completed work and reported year 2000 compliance to the interdepartmental year 2000 monitoring committee, which reports every two months to Government. Bord Fáilte and CERT have indicated that their respective organisations will be year 2000 compliant by the end of next month. Bord Fáilte is also in the process of contacting companies that provide services to the tourism industry such as Fexco, Gulliver and TQS Hotel Grading and Inspections to help ensure that they achieve compliance in good time.
Enterprise Ireland year 2000 information service offers a guide to year 2000 compliance, a directory of consultants and services as well as awareness and training events for small business on year 2000 compliance. This is provided through an information pack which is readily available, a low cost telephone line and information on the World Wide Web. The Irish Hotels Federation has provided an information pack on year 2000 problems for its members while the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute, with support from CERT, has included the year 2000 issues and implications for the tourism industry in its annual conference.
CERT, in responding to industry inquiries, has been focusing attention on awareness of the need to consult with IT suppliers, getting year 2000 compliance certification from equipment suppliers, and under the industry training support scheme, provides support towards training in new technology.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:
37
Mr. M. Higgins
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
when his Department website was last updated; the procedures, if any, in place to ensure that the website is updated on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15484/99]
The Department's website was last upgraded during 1998. Having successfully completed its work on securing year 2000 compliance, my Department will now be giving priority attention to further upgrading of this site. It is proposed to extend the range of information available and to improve the navigational system. Tender proposals have recently been sought from a number of web design firms to modernise and revamp the site. The deadline for receipt of these proposals is 25 June 1999 and it is hoped to complete the redesign work as soon as possible after that stage. Because of the increasing importance of the Internet as a major informational and educational tool for the public, it is planned to update the site thereafter on a regular basis.
