I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 7, inclusive, together.
The Department of the Taoiseach intranet was brought into operation in June 2000. This is an internal Departmental resource and all members of staff have access to it. It uses web technologies to improve access to information resources and to improve the departmental information base. Enhancements to the design and the information content are ongoing.
In relation to the website, my Department is considering the strategies to be adopted to enhance its utility for communicating with clients and the public. It needs a better client oriented focus.
Regard must also be had to the strategic plans being prepared by Departments generally for the development of electronic public services. To assist it in its task, the Department proposes to seek external expertise, and tenders for this are to issue shortly. In the meantime, work is continuing on assembling potentially useful content for the website which will be updated as frequently as necessary. There has been no recent change of criteria to decide the content matter hosted on the Department's website. Criteria will be developed when a decision is reached on the strategic approach to be adopted.
The first ever webcast by my Department was made on 21 September last at the Reach launch from Government Buildings. At present no further webcasts are planned, but this may change as the situation merits.