AQW 19586/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 27/05/2021
Answered On Date: 14/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Assembly Commission whether it will introduce a scheme to donate all viable Assembly and MLA computer hardware being replaced to the Department of Education to provide for schools, pupils and EA youth services.

Answer:

Consideration of options for the disposal, including donation, of redundant IT and related equipment is a key consideration during project planning for the procurement of new or replacement equipment.

In considering such options, the Assembly Commission is mindful that a number of important factors need to be considered before coming to a final decision on whether donating redundant IT and related equipment is feasible.

The Assembly Commission typically extends its use of equipment beyond the support period provided by the supplier, including up to or beyond ‘end of life’. Consequently, the age, performance and cosmetic condition of the equipment are key factors in coming to a decision on the viability of its donation.

Liability for the malfunctioning of any equipment which the Assembly Commission may donate to third parties presents considerable legal and contractual difficulties.

Undertaking the necessary hard drive wiping and hardware refurbishment in order to make the equipment suitable for donation requires resourcing and additional cost.

When progressing projects for the procurement of new or replacement IT equipment, the Assembly Commission will continue to explore options for the disposal, including donation, of redundant equipment.