Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Information Technology.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

136 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received an application under the new community application of information technology initiative from South East Galway IRD; if she has satisfied herself with the attention to detail outlined in the plan; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the area covered by this organisation is in the centre of a disadvantaged area; if she will treat sympathetically the case made by South East Galway IRD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9867/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

The community application of information technology initiative, CAIT, seeks to fund demonstration projects, which encourage and assist those in society who are unfamiliar with, and do not use, the new information and communications technologies in their everyday lives. It is intended that the community and voluntary sector would undertake these projects. Over £2.5 million has been provided for this purpose from the information society fund over the period April 2001 to November 2002. In excess of 450 proposals were received before the deadline, which expired on 15 February last.

An application was received from South East Galway IRD prior to the deadline. An independent steering group containing representatives of the Department of Public Enterprise, other Departments and the private sector is considering all of these proposals and will make recommendations for funding. The CAIT initiative is just one of many initiatives being undertaken as part of a wider Government programme to ensure a fully inclusive information society in Ireland.