WRITTEN QUESTION P-0147/00 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Operational problems affecting the TAXIS programme.
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 countryís 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 ü 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 In addition, the hardware being used is outdated, while softwear used by the workstations, Windows 3. 11, is 3 generations behind the more modern systems now in general use.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. 3. 10. 2000 EN 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: ü whether the measures provided for in the above regulation have been requested for Ventimiglia? ü if, so, who has benefited from them? ü if not, who is responsible for any oversight which may have occurred? ü whether it considers that, in addition to the measures intended for employees, the regulation should also provide aid for companies in this sector? ü 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