ZUS and Prokom continue battle over software payments

Contrary to previous arrangements between software integrator Prokom and the Social Insurance Company (ZUS), the two companies have failed to conclude a final settlement concerning payment for software services. According to ZUS deputy chairman Ireneusz Fafara, the insurer will settle by the end of June. Prokom is demanding payment for administering and exploiting an IT system for ZUS between 1999-2001. The software company filed for a settlement in court in November when, according to Prokom's calculations, an additional zl. 144 million was outstanding, including VAT and statutory interest for delay. To date, ZUS has agreed to pay zl. 66 million plus VAT and signed two partial settlements. Saying that concluding the current settlement with Prokom is unlikely, Fafara said: "All doubts need to be cleared up. ZUS cannot afford accusations of spending public funds too generously. I think Prokom will understand that". But Prokom's attorney Robert Smoktunowicz countered, saying, "The settlement is just a matter of time. If we don't reach it in June, we will surely conclude it by the end of July." (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 19) M.T.