Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 3

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

54 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 18 May 1999, her attention has been drawn to the most recent reports of the Gartner Group with regard to the readiness of countries for year 2000 compliance; if so, if she will give details in this regard; if her attention has further been drawn to any possible damage to Irish companies or the economy as a result of computer systems failure in any of these countries; if so, the action, if any, she has taken or will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15621/99]

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

I welcome the high ratings on year 2000 compliance which Ireland has received from the Gartner Group in its report of March 1999. According to this report, Ireland was in the highest ranking group, along with countries such as Australia, Canada, Sweden, the UK and USA.

In relation to the position of Irish companies trading in countries where compliance is not as far advanced as in Ireland, the position for such companies is the same as for any enterprise regardless of the marketplace in which they operate. The onus is on all businesses to evaluate their supply chains and ensure that their suppliers and customers will be able to continue in business without interruption into the new millennium.