Vol. 524 No. 2
371 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the schemes and supports available from her Department or agencies under the aegis of her Department to schools, businesses, community groups and individuals, to promote information technology including (i) greater awareness of relevance, (ii) to develop skills and (iii) have access to computers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22103/00]
While my Department does not administer specific incentive schemes and supports for schools, businesses, community groups and individuals to promote information technology, it is of course involved in the Civil Service wide promotion of the information society and the knowledge economy.
In relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta, as the Gaeltacht development agency, is very active in the areas of information technology and training in the Gaeltacht. Together with its subsidiary G-Com, the Údarás is very active in promoting information technology and the use of computers from second level schools to community groups, businesses and individuals. Included in the initiatives are assistance with training, assistance with customising technology for the needs of companies, distance learning and providing services through the Internet. Details of all the various schemes are outlined in the Údarás's Annual Report for 1999, pages 20 to 23 and pages 32 to 35.
