asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Houses of the Oireachtas are experiencing enormous difficulties because of the failure of his Department to provide adequate funds and staff resources to maintain the CELEX computers stored data base of EC directives and other legal proposals; the enormous difficulties that this absence is causing; the steps that he will take to ensure that the Government maintains its obligations of ensuring that Dáil Éireann has direct and adequate access to all information pertaining to the completion of the Internal Market and the full implementations of the Single European Act; and if he will make a statement of the matter.
Written Answers. - CELEX Computers.
48.
I understand that it was not possible to access the CELEX database because of technical difficulties with the communication equipment required to make the link to the European Community. The resolution of these problems was hindered by the departure of the Houses of the Oireachtas computer manager to take up a post with the OECD.
However, a new computer manager was appointed shortly before Christmas and the technical problems associated with accessing the CELEX database have now been resolved. The question of access to other database and the best ways of providing for the information needs of Members of the Oireachtas will be examined by the computer manager whose responsibility it will be to continue implementing the information technology plan for Leinster House. A provision of £100,000 for that purpose has been made in the 1989 Estimates and I am hopeful that this will allow progress to be made this year.