asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure in his Department on information technology equipment, on the engagement of consultancy firms for information technology projects and on direct computer personnel staffing costs in each year from 1986 to 1988 inclusive, and the projected amount for 1989; and the extent to which the management grades in his own Department are involved in the development and use of information technology.

Limerick West): Expenditure in my Department in the periods mentioned by the Deputy are as follows:

As regards the extent to which management grades in my Department are involved in the development and use of information technology the position is that one Assistant Principal and two Higher Executive Officers are involved full time. In the Defence Forces four Commandants and 19 Captains are involved full time. Other senior and middle management grades use computers from time to time as the need arises.