Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
207 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in relation to her Department’s website, the number of persons who have responsibility for upgrading the website and eliminating outdated and often inaccurate information. [22191/04]
View answerMy Department's website is a vital information channel for our customers. In 2003 the website was awarded the runner-up prize in the Public Sector Times e-Government awards. It was praised, in particular, for the amount and quality of information it contained.
In December 2003, as part of the Department's commitment to continuous improvement and quality customer service, the information resource unit commissioned a redesign and enhancement of the Department's website bringing the website further in line with industry standards for accessibility and usability. The new site is completely user-centric and is based on popular themes rather than divisional structures. The website is now more accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. Other new features of the website include an improved search engine and syndicated press releases.
The provision of timely and accurate information on the website is a departmental priority. To this end, there are 35 website content controllers in my Department with responsibility for regularly updating website content for their business units' areas of responsibility. This process is overseen by the Department's information resource unit within which four officers are dedicated to managing all aspects of the website.
My Department encourages feedback on its website and there is an on-line facility for users to rate the site under different headings and to make suggestions as to how it might be improved. Feedback on the website receives immediate attention from the information resource unit. If the Deputy has a specific query in relation to the website the information resource unit would be glad to be of assistance and can be contacted via the Contact Us icon on our home page.
