Doc. 8209 2^nd edition

15 October 1998

Impact of the year 2000 problem on nuclear installation safety

Written Declaration n° 281

2^nd edition, originally tabled on 23 September 1998

This written declaration commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The undersigned, members of the Assembly, note that there are concerns about the potential inability of computer software and embedded systems to work correctly starting in the year 2000 (« the Millenium bug problem » or « the Y2K problem »).

2.       They recall the motion for a resolution on the millenium-compliance of computer systems (Doc. 8141), which stressed the various possible effects of the Y2K problem in the most diverse spheres of the society. The Y2K problem has a fixed, non-negotiable deadline, and requires priority attention due to the limited time remaining and the technical challenges of the problem.

3.       In particular, the variety and types of computer software and embedded systems used in nuclear installations everywhere raise concerns associated with the potential impact of the Y2K problem on nuclear installation safety. In a broader sense, the Y2K problem may potentially impact generation, transmission, distribution, and the related business systems. This broad-based scenario is what makes this a complex issue to resolve.

4.       The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been asked by member states to serve as the co-ordination point for the exchange of information related to addressing this problem as it applies to the continued safe operation of nuclear installations. In response, the IAEA has established a special project to address the relevant nuclear safety concerns of the Y2K problem on NPPs and research reactors.

5.       The undersigned underline the importance of addressing this problem in the report to be drawn by the Committee on Science and Technology, which will include, among other issues, an analysis of the general implications of the Y2K problem.

Signed¹ :

Cherribi, Netherlands, LDR

Eversdijk, Netherlands, EPP/CD

Faldet, Norway, SOC

Felici, San Marino, NR

Guirado, Spain, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Liiv, Estonia, LDR

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Olrich, Iceland, EDG

Roseta, Portugal, EPP/CD

Steolea, Romania, EDG

Tiuri, Finland, EDG

Woltjer, Netherlands, SOC

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Vis, United Kingdom, SOC

___________________________

Total = 15

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD : Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: Not registered in a group