Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the arrangements in place at present regarding a database for all local authority housing; and the proposals being made or contracts being entered into to upgrade this database. [6209/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Most local authorities have locally based computer support for their housing functions. However, these need upgrading to provide for their complete housing management needs and the information needs of my Department. Consequently, the Local Government Computer Services Board, LGCSB, has been commissioned to develop an integrated housing project on behalf of local authorities and my Department.

Initially, work was conducted on business process mapping and standard coding methods; this was carried out under contracts to LGCSB by BearingPoint Limited Following this, a two-phase approach has been adopted for the implementation of the integrated housing project. An interim package — housing operations made easy or HOME — is currently being rolled out to all local authorities, with the exception of Dublin City Council which, due to the scale of its operations, is itself implementing and financing the development of a system to meet its needs. HOME is based on a product developed by Kerry County Council and the LGSCB would have engaged a number of small scale consultancies in the evaluation of this system and its roll out to other authorities. The recently published housing needs assessment of 2005 was supported by an improved IT platform developed under this interim package.

Greater reliance on external ICT consultancy support is envisaged in the final phase of the integrated housing system. LGCSB is now engaged in public procurement for this purpose. Completion of the overall project will ensure updated and improved IT support for a range of local authority housing functions and permit the creation of an integrated national information system on social and affordable housing.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Wexford Borough Council for funding in respect of a refurbishment of flats (details supplied) in County Wexford; when this programme of improvements will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6226/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department received applications on 2 February 2006 from Wexford Borough Council for funding under the remedial works scheme to refurbish flats in the two areas in question. These proposals are currently under examination and decisions will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible.