Nora Owen
Ceist:73 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs 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. [21896/99]
Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, in common with other Government departments, has drawn up a year 2000 compliance plan to upgrade or replace any non-compliant systems. Progress on the implementation of this plan is being closely monitored in conjunction with the Year 2000 Monitoring Committee.
The plan 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 Passport Office, visa and consular services and the financial management system. Remedial work on all fatal and critical projects has been completed.
Work is ongoing on a small number of marginal elements. This work will be completed by mid-November at which stage the Department will be Y2K compliant.
A working group representing key areas of the Department has identified those areas where contingency planning is necessary. The Department has drawn up separate contingency plans for each specific area including all sections at headquarters and each mission abroad.
All agencies that come under the aegis of the Minister of Foreign Affairs have completed their year 2000 compliance programmes. These are the Refugee Agency, the National Committee for Development Education, the Irish Aid Advisory Committee and the Agency for Personal Services Overseas.