Vol. 510 No. 1
132 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform 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. [21905/99]
I am satisfied that both my Department and the associated offices and agencies under the aegis of my Department have a detailed programme of work in place to prepare for year 2000 compliance and that every effort is being made to ensure that compliance is achieved. Most systems have been made compliant at this stage with many agencies under the aegis of the Department having declared compliance. The critical areas which remain to be completed relate to the replacement of Garda mainframe systems with the new PULSE system and telecommunications upgrades-replacements in court offices. There are also a small number of marginal systems to be completed.
It is understood from the Garda authorities that the process of transferring data from existing Garda mainframe systems to PULSE, the new year 2000 compliant Garda computer system, has commenced and that, when completed, PULSE will be operationally ready by 15 November 1999. In relation to all other niche Garda computer systems, it is envisaged that these will also be year 2000 compliant within the above timeframe.
Work is also well advanced in all other areas and is planned for completion by mid-November. In addition, work is at an advanced stage in relation to contingency planning in respect of business critical functions of the Department and its agencies.
