§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if all Departments are Year 2000 compliant; and if she will make a statement on the progress of the Year 2000 bug-busters in Northern Ireland. [71529]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI refer the hon. Member to the quarterly statements made in the House by the President of the Council. These statements cover the whole of the United Kingdom. The President of the Council is due to368W make a further statement in March to update the House on progress towards compliance. Information on the compliance situation in each department is laid before the House each quarter and is published on the internet.
The take up of Year 2000 bug buster training by small and medium sized companies in Northern Ireland has, since its launch on 16 October 1998, been extremely reassuring and compares very favourably with participation levels in the rest of the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Year 2000 bug-busters have successfully completed their training; and how many are currently employed to tackle the problem in Northern Ireland. [71544]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyAt 15 February 1999, 883 employees of Northern Ireland companies had successfully completed bug buster training with a further 293 due to complete training by the end of February 1999. There are 6 accredited providers appointed to deliver the Government's bug buster programme Northern Ireland. Approximately 65 local companies are offering solutions to Year 2000 problems.