WRITTEN QUESTION P-0147/00 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Operational problems affecting the TAXIS programme.
Date: 2000-01-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC opinion, Greece, administrative reform, project evaluation

C 280 E/186

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.10.2000

Aceh, as well as the tensions in Irian Jaya. The EU is determined to support the efforts of the new
democratically-elected Indonesian Government to strengthen the country(cid:146)s democracy, reform its military
and judicial systems, restore the vitality of its economy and solve its internal conflicts through dialogue
rather than force.

(2000/C 280 E/215)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0145/00

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Failure of Commission to quote references on correspondence

Is the Commission aware that it is still failing to mention references in its replies to enquiries from
Members of the European Parliament?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2000)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for drawing to its attention the need to mention
references when replying to letters, and would confirm that staff have been reminded to do so.

(2000/C 280 E/216)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0147/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Operational problems affecting the TAXIS programme

(24 January 2000)

Despite the assurances given by the Commission in reply to my previous questions (E-1802/98 (1) and
E-0044/99) (2) that the TAXIS programme being co-funded by the Community was proceeding smoothly (cid:129)
evidently based similar assurances received from the Greek authorities, the TAXIS programme was in fact
non-operational for a whole week because of serious problems with the Neilos central computer resulting
in a breakdown of communications between taxpayers and the inland revenue authorities. In addition, the
hardware being used is outdated, while softwear used by the workstations, Windows 3.11, is 3 generations
behind the more modern systems now in general use.

The Commission:

1. Does it consider that the systems specifications are keeping pace with technological developments and

are meeting the needs of such a major project?

2. Does it consider adequate the training procedures for users of the new TAXIS technology?

3.

Is it still satisfied with the progress made by the project following unprecedented delays affecting the
timetable for completion and the major technical shortcomings which have come to light regarding
application?

4. Who bears final responsibility for the problems which have arisen with regard to the TAXIS system?

5. What view does the Commission take regarding the timetable for completion of the project?

(1) OJ C 13, 18.1.1999, p. 88.
(2) OJ C 297, 15.10.1999, p. 140.

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 280 E/187

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2000)

The TAXIS project forms an important part of the operational programme for the modernisation of public
administration co-financed by the European regional development fund ( ERDF), the European social fund
(ESF) and the Greek authorities.

According to information provided by the Greek authorities, the systems specifications of this project were
designed to meet the operational needs of a highly complex decentralised integrated taxation information
system for a large number of financial services directorates (tax offices) in Greece. On the basis of the
provisions foreseen in the existing contracts the specifications were up-dated to the latest technological
developments, at the time of installation.

The Secretariat general for information systems of the ministry of Finance has ensured intensive training
facilities at three levels geared to meet the operational needs of the TAXIS project. Firstly, the technological
familiarisation of operators with the system as a whole. Then follows training on specific taxation
applications and finally, practical training facilities are provided in real working conditions.

The significant delays in implementation witnessed in the preparatory phase were justified by the nature
in the framework of the monitoring committee
and complexity of the project as a whole. However,
meetings the new timetable established and the milestones set for effective conclusion of the project in
2001 have so far been respected.

(2000/C 280 E/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0154/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Compensation for good damage caused by the abolition of customs formalities at the internal

frontiers

The disappearance of the internal frontiers has significantly transformed economic activity in the areas
where customs formalities were carried out and in some places, such as Ventimiglia, this has severely
penalised companies which provided customs representation services. Many of these companies are being
wound up and the remainder, having scaled down their activities to a minimum, will be forced to follow
suit.

With reference in particular to Regulation (EEC) No 3904/92 (1) on measures to adapt the profession of
customs agent to the internal market, will the Commission say:

(cid:129) whether the measures provided for in the above regulation have been requested for Ventimiglia?

(cid:129) if, so, who has benefited from them?

(cid:129) if not, who is responsible for any oversight which may have occurred?

(cid:129) whether it considers that, in addition to the measures intended for employees, the regulation should

also provide aid for companies in this sector?

(cid:129) whether it considers that, in cases where states have not complied with the regulation, a fund should
be set up to provide compensation for the damages suffered by companies whose business activities
have become obsolete, leaving them with no possible alternatives?

(1) OJ L 394, 31.12.1992, p. 1.