53 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Taoiseach the number of task forces or special committees set up in his Department since 1997; the date they were established; the terms of reference of each; if they have reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24481/01]

As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department is involved in a range of cross-departmental activities and initiatives, including many groups set up by other Departments. The task forces and special committees set up in my Department since 1997 are as follows.

The Information Society Commission was established in May 1997 for an initial three year period until end-2000. It produced its third and final report to Government in December 2000.

Its terms of reference were as follows:

The Commission will have the function of shaping and overseeing the implementation of a strategic framework for the development of the Information Society in Ireland. The Commission will promote, co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of the actions required from Government and other key actors in the development of the Information Society. In particular, the Commission will:

1.identify quantifiable benchmarks for the development of an Information Society in Ireland and monitor the achievement of these benchmarks on an annual basis; relevant state agencies, Departments and private sector groups will be asked to assist the Commission by providing status reports and evaluations on a regular basis on the development of the Information Society within their areas of responsibility and expertise;