Vol. 512 No. 6
64 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that every household is given a basic check list to ensure that domestic systems are Y2K compliant; the steps, if any, they can take to make their systems compliant and safe; the plans, if any, he has to establish a national helpline for the public wishing to ensure they are taking whatever steps are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24341/99]
As the Deputy is aware, the year 2000 issue relates to the possibility that computer and electronic production systems will not recognise 2000 as a date and instead will read it as 1900 or some other date. It should be emphasised that this could potentially impact on businesses mainly, rather than on households or household appliances. Accordingly, a comprehensive business awareness campaign is being carried out to raise awareness of the problem and provide guidance, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
As regards a checklist for households, earlier this year, ESB sent a customer care pack to every household in the country which included a leaflet on The Year 2000 and my Home – Useful facts. This suggested that appliances or electrical appliances such as personal computers, alarms systems, VCRS, office machines and electronic heating control systems might be impacted by year 2000, while home products unlikely to be affected would include fridges and freezers, cookers, washing machines, dishwashers etc. In any event, it suggested that if householders were worried about these appliances, they should contact the retailer or manufacturer of the equipment who should be able to give advice as to whether it is year 2000 compliant.
It is not proposed to set up a helpline on the lines suggested given the widespread publicity that there has been about the year 2000, the steps already taken, and range and variety of appliances involved. I reiterate that if households are concerned about any of their appliances or equipment, the best course of action they can follow is to contact the supplier or manufacturer of the product.
