Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

Michael Bell

Question:

77 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the intensified publicity campaign, if any, planned regarding the potential danger of Y2K problems, having regard to the fact that the new year is only weeks away; if she has satisfied herself with steps being taken by businesses to prepare for Y2K problems; if her Department will be available and open over the new year period to provide advice or assistance to those who encounter problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25019/99]

Mary Coughlan

Question:

106 Ms Coughlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recommendations the national Y2K emergency co-ordination committee made to ensure the least possible disruption to business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25253/99]

Mary Coughlan

Question:

128 Ms Coughlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if emergency contingency plans are being prepared to give practical advice to small and medium sized enterprises in the event of disruptions caused by the Y2K problem. [25244/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 106 and 128 together.

My Department has spent more than £800,000 on a series of interlinked initiatives. A very extensive public media campaign was organised. Television, radio, newspaper and billboard advertising were used. I have recently issued over 300,000 letters to businesses throughout the country, with the co-operation of the banks, insurance industry and accountancy bodies, warning businesses again of the serious consequences of inaction on their part in the face of this problem.

It is not considered that an intensified campaign would be effective at this stage. However, I intend to ensure that the Enterprise Ireland help-line service will continue for the rest of this year and, indeed, into early next year also. With regard to giving advice to business in the event of disruption or problems caused by Y2K, the position is that the Enterprise Ireland helpline will be in operation over the new year period to deal with queries from businesses who are experiencing problems at the start of the new millennium and to offer them advice.

The whole basis of the Y2K business awareness campaign has been to make businesses aware of the problem and encourage them to take action to get their businesses compliant. As has been stated on many occasions, ultimate responsibility for this issue lies with the individual businesses and it is they who must ensure that their oper ations can continue without interruption after the new year. The Government has made every effort and expended considerable sums of money to encourage compliance, but it is only the individual business managers who can take the necessary action.

The purpose of the National Year 2000 Emergency Committee is to oversee and co-ordinate contingency planning and emergency management arrangements for potential problems arising from year 2000 related incidents and the celebration of the new millennium in the vital services. That committee set up sub-groups to examine the state of business compliance in the financial sector and emergency services sector to assess continuity in the provision of business services. These groups gave satisfactory reports on their findings.