asked the Minister for Justice 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.

Expenditure in my Department on information technology equipment, consultants and personnel for the years 1986 to 1989 is as follows:

There was no expenditure by my Department on the engagement of information technology consultants for the years in question nor is any proposed in 1989.

In all areas of my Department where information technology has been or is being introduced there was and is full involvement by all management grades in its development and in its continued use.