Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 434: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the savings that have been made in his Department through the use of open source software packages and generic consumables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With the exception of Met Eireann, which uses open source products in some applications, in general my Department does not utilise open source software packages due to potential compatibility and development issues with the existing ICT infrastructure. It is not possible to quantify net savings that may have accrued through the use of such products by Met Eireann. The use of open source software will be reviewed in the context of the new ICT strategy to be prepared next year. My Department is currently trialling some generic consumables with a view to achieving savings in ICT consumable expenditure when confirmed that these products are suitable for purpose.