asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport 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.

The expenditure information is as follows:

Notes:

(a) The bulk of costs at column 4 relate to the development and day to day operation of specialised meteorological applications.

(b) 1986 expenditure relates to the then Department of Communications.

My Department have prepared an information technology plan. The plan is based on the Department's objectives and critical success factors and is currently being implemented in the Department with the active participation of management grades.

The meteorological service is heavily dependent on computerised applications to carry out its functions. The service's management continues to plan investment on a cost effective basis. An IT plan for the Air Navigation Services office is at present being prepared by the office's management identifying priority areas for development.