asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will make a statement on the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations contained in the document New Technology for Leinster House.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Technology for Leinster House.
2.
As the Deputy is aware, an informal steering committee was established by the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges to facilitate consideration of the report "New Technology for Leinster House". In January 1985, following detailed consideration of the report, the steering committee submitted an interim report recommending the areas which should be given priority in the application of new technology. I have already indicated to the House that the priority areas identified in the interim report are:——
— the improvement of Library and research facilities.
— a computer-based information system on Oireachtas procedures and practices, Library material, Oireachtas debates, legislation, etc.
— the sound system
— word processing in the reporting of debates, preparation of reports, structuring of the Order Paper, etc.
It was also recommended to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges that a consultant be engaged to obtain the best technical advice available on the type of equipment most suitable to needs, bearing in mind likely further developments and to prepare costings. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges agreed to the proposals in the interim report on 6 February 1985 and terms of reference of the committee were amended on 30 April to give CPP the power necessary to engage consultants.
Arrangements are underway for the appointment of a consultant. It is the intention that the consultant will carry out a large part of the study during the Summer Recess, when officials of the Houses will have more time available to devote to the exercise.
I would expect that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges should have the consultants report by the beginning of the next session.
Was it intended to involve the consultant in any possible changes in the voting procedures in the House?
That is not one of the matters likely to be dealt with. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges have agreed with the priority areas identified in the interim report. At the moment the Committee on Procedure and Privileges are not considering the use of electronic voting, for example.