FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny queried the value of a new Government website.

He said the website, Merrionstreet.ie, went live in July at a cost of about €40,000 and was inspired by the Number 10 website in the UK.

“I also understand that the dedicated website, taoiseach.gov.ie, which is already in existence, could have been redesigned to provide the information contained on the Merrionstreet.ie website,” he added.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the new website related to the totality of Government activity and not just to the Department of the Taoiseach. Internet tools must be used to ensure information was provided in a user-friendly way.

“I am of the opinion that the cost involved is well justified, particularly in the context of the service that is being provided,” he added.

“A tender was not required in respect of this matter because the work was carried out through the use of in-house resources.” The work, he added, involved examining best practice across a range of 20 Government websites.

Mr Kenny said the projected cost of the Government Information Service for this year was €242,269, a 6 per cent reduction on last year. He asked if that was the bottom line regarding what could be achieved in the context of cutting costs.

Mr Cowen said every area of expenditure was looked at in the context of estimates and what was available for the following year.