Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

167 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount her Department spent in 2002 on software licences; the amount of that budget which was spent on the products of a company (details supplied); if her Department uses Linux or similar open-source software; and if it has a policy position on the promotion and use of such open-source software, in the interests of cost savings or the development of a more transparent software industry. [24284/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The total amount spent by my Department in 2002 on software licences was €1,395,815.06. Of this figure, €269,713.59 was spent on Microsoft products. My Department uses a number of different open-source software products, including Linux. The policy of my Department in selecting software is based on sourcing the most suitable product available to meet a particular business need. Cost is a major factor in the selection. It is policy to purchase the most economically advantageous solution for the Department, whether that be open-source or commercial software.