Vol. 502 No. 3
154 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the progress towards full year 2000 compliance within his Department and in agencies for which his Department is responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8222/99]
155 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personnel with his Department working on securing year 2000 compliance within his Department and the bodies under its aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8237/99]
156 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that agencies (details supplied) under the aegis of his Department are fully year 2000 compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8278/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 155 and 156 together.
The Department, in common with other Government Departments, has established a plan to ensure that it is year 2000 compliant by the end of 1999. This plan covers all IT hardware and software along with other office equipment and plant. The plan includes the following: an inventory of all hardware and software in the Department, close contact with suppliers, on-site testing and replacement-upgrading of any non compliant hardware or software.
In the context of the Departments quality customer care strategy, the remedial work required for the Passport Office is well under way. Work to ensure the continuity of internal services such as word processing, financial and personnel management systems etc., is progressing satisfactorily. At HQ there are nine people in the IT section working on the implementation of the Departments year 2000 plan with essentially twelve people contributing to the project as and when required within their areas of responsibility. Officers at each of our 52 missions are also contributing to the project.
