Vol. 498 No. 1
47 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, taken to minimise dangers to marine traffic arising from possible problems for computer dependent navigation systems and rescue operations arising from the millennium bug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26470/98]
The maritime safety committee of the International Maritime Organisation at its sixty-ninth session considered the need for the maritime industry to address the Year 2000 problem. The committee subsequently issued Maritime Safety Committee Circular 868.
To ensure that all shipowners, shiprepairers, masters, chief engineers, all ship's officers, skippers, harbour authorities, ship agents, terminal operators, yachtsmen in Ireland are fully aware of the contents of the IMO's MSC Circular 868, my Department has issued a Marine Notice (No. 20 of 1998). A copy of the notice will be forwarded to the Deputy.
I should mention that I am advised by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that they have taken the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of aids to navigation around our coasts after the changover to the year 2000. I am also satisfied that the Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) of my Department has alerted rescue service providers under the direct control of the IMES and those providing dedicated services of the need to ensure that rescue services continue to operate satisfactorily during the critical period.
