Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

302 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of contingency plans in relation to the Y2K computer problems in the event of a systems failure in his Department and all agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25443/99]

David Stanton

Question:

303 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals and health boards not 100 per cent Y2K compliant or without contingency plans in the event of computer systems failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25456/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 303 together.

My Department has been actively engaged in co-ordinating and facilitating the work of health agencies who have teams in place to ensure that the health services will be year 2000 ready. Latest reports from hospitals and health boards indicate that all but a small number of computer systems are year 2000 compliant. Remedial work is ongoing as a priority in the case of the systems concerned. These agencies have definite plans in place to make the systems complaint in advance of the new millennium.

My Department's year 2000 guidelines required all agencies to develop contingency plans as an added assurance in the event of computer systems failure. This work is currently being finalised in agencies in conjunction with plans to meet the expected increased demand for health services over the new millennium.

I am confident that my Department's policy, which is to ensure that health service clients and staff should be protected from potential risks to health and safety arising from the millennium changeover and that there should be minimal disruption to normal health services, will be achieved.

A contingency plan has been developed within my Department and this is in an advanced state of implementation. Given the nature of such plans my Department will maintain an ongoing review of the plan.