Vol. 505 No. 6
28 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if all local authorities operate web sites; if not, the encouragement, if any, he will give to authorities to establish them; the consideration, if any, he will give to the establishment of public web booths in public libraries to facilitate those who do not have internet access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14363/99]
Many local authorities have developed web sites as part of the implementation of quality services to customers as recommended in Better Local Government, A Programme for Change. I would like to see them in place in all local authorities, although this is of course a matter for each individual authority.
The report Branching Out – A new Public Library Service recommended the provision of internet access to the public through all public libraries, and the Government accepted this recommendation in its action plan Implementing the Information Society in Ireland. Arrangements to give effect to the recommendation are being developed at present. In the meantime, I understand that there are over 200 personal computers in place in public libraries for use by the public. Most of these computers are configured to enable the user to access the Internet.
