I can inform the Deputy that, after evaluation of a number of personal digital assistant-mobile mail devices, the Blackberry platform has been selected for use in my Department. Since 17 May 2002, Blackberry units have been assigned to 62 of my Department's staff and a small number of other devices have been acquired for research and evaluation purposes.
The current cost of these devices is between €195 and €242, depending on the model in question, down from an original cost of €484. The cost of the most expensive device acquired during this period was €669, which was for a more fully featured Windows-based device. This was acquired as part of ongoing research and evaluation of mobile technologies, so as to ensure integration with departmental e-mail and calendar facilities.
Personal digital assistants are issued to the Department's senior management on request and to staff of other grades in accordance with their role, the particular business needs of their division and with the recommendation of the head of the division in question. Their use reflects the high demand made on our increasingly mobile staff for rapid response to issues and enhances communication and productivity, including out of normal office hours.