Vol. 518 No. 3
106 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if a qualified person is employed in the Department to develop information communication technology systems for use in the Department, on an inter-Department basis and outwards to conduct business with the general public and public representatives. [11652/00]
There are eight trained information technology staff in my Department and two communications specialists. Where required by individual projects, these resources are supplemented by external contractors and or consultants. All of these are involved in the researching, planning, development and-or maintenance of information communication technology systems for the purposes outlined by the Deputy in his question.
Full e-mail facilities are in place to enable the public and other third parties to transact their business electronically with every officer of my Department. My Department also maintains a comprehensive website to keep the public informed about available services, policy developments, etc. Plans are well advanced for the provision of a fuller range of e-Government services later in the year.
