Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

380 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the schemes and supports available from his Department or agencies under the aegis of his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [22104/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

As the Deputy will appreciate my Department and its agencies do not provide direct funding for schemes or provide support to schools, businesses, community groups or individuals to promote information technology.

However, I am responsible for a budget of £23.2 million for an equality for women measure under the regional operational programmes of the national development plan. This funding relates to the period 2000-6 and will support a broad range of initiatives designed to promote equality for women in the labour market, business and in decision making. The allocation to the Border, midland and western region is £6.12 million and £17.08 million to the Southern and Eastern region. I announced details of the measure on 5 October and invited project applications for a budget of IR£6 million for the period 2000-3. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 January 2001. Project promoters can include community and voluntary groups, trade unions, employers, State bodies, women's organisations as well as commercial organisations. While the measure is not specifically intended to address use of technology, it is expected that a number of proposals designed to re-train and up-skill women may relate to the IT area.

I can also inform the Deputy that, while the probation and welfare service has no direct role in promoting information technology, community groups funded by the probation and welfare service to support ex-offenders and those at risk of offending often include information technology familiarisation and training, where this is seen as addressing the needs of those involved.

Similarly, some of the 39 Garda youth diversion projects funded by my Department and An Garda Síochána incorporate basic computer skills training.

I should also mention that many offenders have access to computer education and training as part of both the prisons education and prisons work training programmes.