Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

419 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the amount which his Department spent in 2002 on information technology software licences; the percentage of this budget which was spent on products of a company (details supplied); if his Department uses Linux or similar open source software; and if it has a policy position with regard to the promotion and use of such open source software, in the interests of cost savings or the development of a more transparent software industry. [23167/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

My Department spent just over €382,000 on the purchase of software in 2002, the bulk of which related to the purchase of a new financial system. Of the total expenditure, just over 6% was spent on the products of the named company.

My Department currently uses open source software on a very limited scale. However, developments in the area are carefully monitored and the possible use of such software will be considered in the context of future upgradings of the Department's software systems.

Question No. 420 answered with Question No. 407.

Questions Nos. 421 and 422 answered with Question No. 406.

Question No. 423 answered with Question No. 154.