Time is running out for a number of local authorities and financial institutions in Northern Ireland who are preparing to tackle the millenium bug. Ten local councils in England and Scotland have been named by a government watchdog for failing to do enough to tackle the millennium bug. The Scottish unitary authorities of Orkney, East Dunbartonshire, the Western Isles Council and Argyll and Bute were also placed in the red category. The situation is potentially more serious in the Scottish authorities as they have wider functions.
Most authorities are in the amber category though some are classed as blue.
The amber category means there is some risk of disruption, but there are plans to contain any problems. It did not name the organisations but this may change later in the year. Michael Foot of the Financial Services Authority said it would be wrong to name them now, because that would create a crisis of confidence. Until now, hospitals and police services have been at the centre of concern. A huge amount of high-tech medical equipment has had to be checked to make sure it will not fail when the date changes.