The blueprint for the implementation of the information society is the Government action plan, Implementing the Information Society in Ireland, published last year. As the Deputy may be aware, the action plan sets out our objectives for the implementation of the information society, including the implementation of Government. It adopts a three stranded approach: strand 1 deals with information provision on-line. Strand 2 focuses on interactive public service provision. This area of the action plan sets out areas where Government-public services are being-will be delivered on-line. For the business community, the following services are already being provided: Land Registry external access service; and FÁS-on-line service.
This year further services, including a revenue on-line service will come on stream. Further information on services available, or soon to be available, can be obtained at the following web address.
An implementation group of Assistant Secretaries General and a policy development team, based in my Department, have been put in place to progress the implementation of the agenda set out in the action plan. Further information on the action plan and on progress can be obtained on my Department's website at www.irlgov.iétaoiseach/eIreland/intro.htm. The latest report on progress implementing the action plan is nearing completion, it should also be available on the website in mid-April.