Vol. 493 No. 1
59 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that her Department and all agencies under her auspices are using licensed software only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15365/98]
I am satisfied that my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department use only licensed software. The Deputy will be aware that my Department has overall responsibility for the whole area of intellectual property rights. I am therefore extremely conscious of the need to adhere strictly to licensing arrangements entered into with the suppliers of software to my Department. Licensing arrangements are negotiated with the software suppliers at the time of purchasing the software and, are reviewed at regular intervals to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements of the software vendor.
60 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that his Department and all agencies under his auspices are using licensed software only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15366/98]
I assure the Deputy that my Department uses software acquired under licence. From time to time the number of PCs operated by the Department compared to the number of licences purchased can vary and every effort is made to ensure that the shortfall is regularised.
With regard to bodies and agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, the Deputy will be aware that commercial and non-commercial State bodies are expected to comply with the broad principles of licensing. While this Department ensures, as far as practicable, that such bodies comply with procedures, the licensing of software would normally be a day to day matter for which the board of the relevant State body would be directly responsible.
