Vol. 524 No. 2
147 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources 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 greater awareness of relevance, the development of skills and access to computers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22094/00]
Neither my Department, nor any of the agencies under its aegis, is involved in the provision of schemes or supports to schools, businesses, community groups and individuals to promote information technology. The Department has, however, plans to improve its delivery of public services. In that context, the Department is reviewing its information technology strategy and development plans with a view to preparing a public service strategy that will ultimately deliver integrated services to its clients. As part of this work, my Department aims to identify services that may be suitable for access through the use of modern communications based on Internet technologies. For example, one particular scheme, which is aimed at increasing efficiency in the seafood industry, will involve fishermen, on entering port, inputting details of catches on board allowing those involved in the industry to see, at a glance, the supply available at any given port.
