Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 2

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

Monica Barnes

Ceist:

27 Mrs. Barnes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the state of preparedness of private industry and small businesses with regard to year 2000; the proposals, if any, she has between now and the end of 1999 to ensure that all companies will be able to cope with the millennium bug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21873/99]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

36 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of small business which are not year 2000 compliant; and the further proposals, if any, she has in this regard. [21889/99]

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

51 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the level of preparation by business, industry and commerce for year 2000 problems, having regard to the survey undertaken by the Small Firms Association earlier in 1999 suggesting that more than 70 per cent of small firms could face temporary closure due to the fact they have not planned properly for year 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21998/99]

Nora Owen

Ceist:

80 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself with the state of preparedness of private industry and small businesses with regard to year 2000; the proposals, if any, she has between now and the end of 1999 to ensure that all companies will be able to cope with the millennium bug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22046/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 36, 51 and 80 together.

Given the nature of the problem, it is not possible to give a reliable figure on actual full compliance. The surveys undertaken by Enterprise Ireland and the Small Firms Association confirm that awareness of the year 2000 computer problem is very high and that many companies now have taken steps to pursue the issue. The September 1999 Enterprise Ireland survey shows that 94% of Irish companies are either very confident, or fairly confident that their businesses will be unaffected by the millennium bug or associated issues. In addition, the number of companies who have undertaken contingency planning has risen. However, the survey overall also indicates that companies could be doing more to ensure compliance.

Our Department has spent over £800,000 on a series of interlinked initiatives. These include the Enterprise Ireland national Y2K information service, specifically geared to the needs of small and medium sized companies. The service includes a telephone helpline, an information pack including a directory of Y2K consultants and service providers and a dedicated website. In addition, a series of training workshops were organised and the services of the county and city enterprise boards and other development agencies were also brought to bear in helping their client companies. A very extensive public media campaign was organised. Several series of radio and television advertisements were run, both on national and local radio stations. Television and newspaper advertising and billboard sites were also used. A recent initiative has been my issuing over 300,000 letters to businesses throughout the country, with the co-operation of the banks, insurance industry and accountancy bodies.

I intend to ensure the Enterprise Ireland service will continue for the rest of this year and, indeed, into early next year also.

As has been stated on many occasions, ultimate responsibility for this issue lies with the individual businesses and it is they who must ensure that their operations can continue without interrup tion after the new year. The Government has made every effort and expended considerable sums of money to encourage compliance, but it is only the individual business managers who can take the necessary action.
Barr
Roinn