The project to ensure that computer systems in my Department are year 2000 compliant is well advanced.
Preparatory work started towards the end of 1996 with a study to assess the impact of the year 2000 problem. The project itself, which involved setting up teams of IT and user staff to make and test the necessary system amendments, began in mid-1997. That work is now 60 per cent complete and I am satisfied that it is on target to finish by the first quarter of 1999.
In view of the critical nature of this project, it has to be given top priority. As other projects finished in 1997, the staff involved were moved on to year 2000 compliance teams. At this stage, practically all computer development staff, apart from those dealing with essential maintenance of production systems, are working on the project.
The main impact on other work is that the Department has had to put new development work on hold. The year 2000 project will impact on the timescale for the movement of the Department's older computer systems on to a modern technology platform in order to improve service levels for customers. However, ongoing service to the public has not been affected by the project. The existing computer systems continue to be supported and maintained on a day to day basis while the year 2000 project is being implemented.
