Stormont Government Opens Up With Web Access

Local government services and information are being made more accessible to the people of Northern Ireland.

That was the message from NI Finance Minister Nigel Dodds at this week's official launch of a new government website.

Mr Dodds praised the new site for its style and ease of use and how it represents an important change in how government is interacting with the citizen.

"We aim to make it as easy as possible for the people of Northern Ireland to access and use their government information and services.

"This is a key objective in the Programme for Government and my department has shown its leadership by providing this new website within its target," he said, noting that, instead of surfing a range of government websites for information the public can now the new, single location.

He also said that it has really shown its value already - with information on swine flu which previously would have been on a range of different government sites all now be found in one location.

There are 16 themes under headings such as motoring, property, housing, employment, money, tax and benefits.

Transactions available include booking an MOT, ordering birth, death and marriage certificates, buying or renewing a TV licence or finding local schools and nurseries. The site also contains useful public information video and audio downloads.

Mr Dodds also praised the wider NI Direct programme, which includes the new flooding incident line - 0300 2000 100. He added that devolution is working and that his department will continue to play its role in providing better and more efficient government.

Donna Magee, Interim Chief Executive of the Consumer Council commented: "The launch of NI Direct is good news for consumers who now have a single point of contact for accessing public services.

"The Consumer Council is proud to have worked in partnership with the Department of Finance and Personnel on this important project by representing the consumer voice and ensuring it was taken into account throughout the development of NI Direct," she said.

See: www.nidirect.gov.uk

(BMcC/JM)