Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.
Nora Owen
Ceist:
71
Mrs. Owen
asked the
Minister for the Marine
and Natural Resources 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.
[21895/99]
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
(Dr. Woods): My Department began work on the year 2000 compliance programme in 1998. At this point the programme is complete and I am confident that all systems are compliant. A contingency plan for all critical business over the millennium period has also been finalised.
The Department's compliance programme deals with three main areas – those which are of fatal, critical and marginal business impact. Projects of fatal or critical business impact for the Department include the Irish Marine Emergency Service, the forest service grant system, exploration licensing system and the financial management system. The Department has achieved year 2000 compliance in all areas affecting the core business. Monitoring and updating of systems and equipment will continue until the end of the year.
My Department oversees the work of 14 State agencies, nine port companies and 18 harbour authorities. All the bodies, where there is an exposure to the millennium bug, have Y2K compliance programmes in place. In addition I have personally reiterated to the chairperson of each agency the priority attached to year 2000 compliance and the requirement for contingency planning in particular. While I have received assurances from many of the key agencies, I intend to confirm with all the bodies that full compliance is being achieved and that business contingency plans are put in place.
I am satisfied, based on knowledge of the core business of the Department and its agencies, that every effort is being made to minimise year 2000 risks in key areas.
