Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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110. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a final reply will issue to his interim response (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24112/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I regret the delay in issuing a final reply to your representations. Unfortunately, this occurred because the issues raised  on behalf of the organisation involved crossed a number of areas of responsibility. The question of the availability of financial assistance would be a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government  whose Department has responsibility for a number of Community and Rural schemes that may be relevant. I have made arrangements to refer this matter to him for consideration. 

As regards access to laptops or other computer equipment in Government Departments, guidance from my Department to Departments on Depreciation and Disposal of PC's and other computer hardware sets the period for depreciation of IT assets at five years.  The Circular also states that equipment that continues to function properly should be replaced only when necessary and that equipment should be sold at market value. Each Department is responsible for the management and disposal of its own IT assets. For instance, my Department disposes of obsolete IT equipment via a charity which was  chosen as part of a periodic competitive exercise.