Committee expresses optimism

There should be no major disruption to national services over the millennium holiday period, according to the body set up to oversee their preparations for the Year 2000.

The National Year 2000 Emergencies Co-ordination Committee was set up by the Government to oversee and co-ordinate the Year 2000 preparations of the key national utilities and the infrastructure, health, security, financial and business sectors.

"The Committee has reviewed and is satisfied with the state of readiness and contingency preparedness in the key services sectors," it said.

"The Committee is also satisfied that effective arrangements are in place to respond to and manage major emergencies and that these arrangements are adequately co-ordinated by the emergency services."