Vol. 506 No. 5
68 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the survey undertaken by the Small Firms Association suggesting that more than 70 per cent of small firms could face temporary closure due to the fact they have not planned properly for year 2000; the steps, if any, being taken to deal with the problems identified in the survey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15846/99]
97 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the Enterprise Ireland survey published in May 1999 and the Small Firms Association survey published in June 1999 addressing the year 2000 computer problem; her views on the conclusions reached; if she has made or will make an assessment regarding the possible risks facing the economy as a result; the scale in this regard; the action, if any, she has taken or will take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16025/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 97 together.
The recent survey undertaken by Enterprise Ireland and that undertaken by the Small Firms Association confirm that awareness of the Year 2000 computer problem is very high and that many companies now have taken steps to pursue the issue. A high proportion have commenced some planning and have assigned a senior employee to take responsibility within their organisations. Despite this, the level of remedial action is still disappointing. This is a concern to all of us involved in the Business Awareness Campaign.
In regard to the risks facing the economy, there are many positive developments. The State services, the utilities and the bigger companies in all sectors, throughout the economy are very far advanced in remedial programmes. This progress has been recognised in an international survey which places Ireland among the small number of countries in the top rank of compliance.
