Vol. 510 No. 1
119 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the current state of preparedness of his Department and any agencies attached to his Department with regard to year 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21902/99]
My Department has had a year 2000 remedial programme in place since July 1997. Steady progress has been maintained on the programme and the Department has now achieved year 2000 compliance for all critical aspects of its operation. The only outstanding item is the replacement of the Department's flexitime system which will be completed in November.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of the Department, all are now Year 2000 ready with the exception of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Roads Authority both of whom have only some minor items outstanding. These items are expected to be made year 2000 ready before the end of November.
My Department is also monitoring the progress of year 2000 remedial programmes in local authorities. The present situation is that local authorities are reporting remedial programmes nearing completion and they are confident that the remaining tasks will be completed within the time remaining. My Department has appointed consultants to provide technical assistance to local authorities and to review remedial programmes for critical systems such as water supply, sewage treatment and traffic control. These consultants have recently completed their review and have confirmed that these systems are now year 2000 ready in all local authorities.
