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Computerisation Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (115)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

230 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department spent in the year 2003 on IT software licences and the amount of that budget which was spent on products from a company (details supplied); if his Department uses a product (details supplied) similar to open source software; and if it has a policy position with regard to the promotion and use of such open source software, in the interests of cost savings or the development of a more transparent software industry. [2038/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2003, my Department spent €75,800.84 on new software licences and €140,071.63 on software licence renewals, a total of €215,872.47. Of this figure, €68,688.21 was spent on renewals of existing software licences to the company in question under my Department's enterprise agreement.

My Department does not, at present, use products of the kind in question. Any software proposed as part of a solution is examined on its technical merits, as well as cost. My Department does not have a specific policy with regard to open source software. It is considered on a case by case basis and may well be used in the future.

The e-Cabinet application will be based on XML code, which is open source software. The above figures do not include a licence fee of €118,000, excluding VAT, paid by my Department on foot of an enterprise agreement which enables this software to be used throughout all Departments. No payment was made from this amount to the company the Deputy referred to in his question.

Question No. 231 answered with QuestionNo. 212.
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