Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 2001

Written Answers. - Departmental Websites.

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Departments' website was launched in May 1996 and can be accessed at www.welfare.ie. The focus of the site is to provide up to date information directly to the public and in particular to groups and agencies, which provide information services to citizens. The information on the website includes details of schemes, entitlements, rates and methods of payment, application forms, publications and locations for contacting the Department.

The site also provides some on-line services. Customers can now notify the Department on-line of loss of employment, request an application form for child benefit, e-mail our information section or comment on the service provided through the website or at our network of local service offices. This is an area we intend developing. It is the intention to maximise the use of the Internet in the delivery of a quality service to our customers.

The total number of hits on the site in 2001 was 3,179,089. This accounts for 376,456 user sessions or an average of 1,030 sessions per day. There is the equivalent to three full-time staff assigned to the maintenance and development of the website. The cost of maintaining the site in 2001 was of the order of £107,000, 135,86.97. This cost includes hardware, software and staff costs.