Vol. 510 No. 3
269 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospitals which did not meet the Government's deadline of 31 July 1999 for being year 2000 compliant; the number of hospitals which have not completed work in this regard; his views on whether some hospitals may not be able to complete this task on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22466/99]
My Department has been actively engaged co-ordinating and facilitating the work of health agencies who have teams in place to ensure that the health services will be year 2000 ready. Health agencies have taken a risk management approach to their projects whereby they are dealing with systems and items of equipment in order of their criticality. At 31 July 1999 health boards and hospitals generally had some items outstanding and this was mainly due to dependence on suppliers. Reports to my Department indicate that the great bulk of the work has now been completed, especially where critical items are concerned.
Health agencies are currently in the process of completing contingency plans and these are progressing well. These contingency plans will ensure that resources are available to deal with any issues in the unlikely event of a technical failures occurring. The plans also cover the more important matter of providing for any increased demand for health services arising over the millennium period.
I am confident that my Department's policy which is to ensure that health service clients and staff should be protected from potential risks to health and safety arising from the millennium changeover and that there should be minimal disruption to normal health services, will be achieved.
