Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 25/2001, of 1 of March

Published in D.R. number 51 (Series I-B) of 1 March 2001

Presidência do Conselho de Ministros (Council of Ministers' Presidency)

Resolution of the Council of Ministers

Resolution of the Council of Ministers regarding the acquisition of computers by civil employees.

The information society should include as many people as possible. There have been various initiatives to provide the masses with access to the new information and communication technologies, as well as to ensure that these are effectively used. For instance, there is a tax incentive system related to the purchase of computer material, and sponsorship for the information society. Furthermore, at a different level, we have school and library equipment and equipment in other institutions, where multimedia computers are connected to the Internet.

This drive must be continued by encouraging people to learn about the technologies related to the information society on the one hand, and by creating conditions, on the other, so that an increasing number of people can have access to computers and other computer equipment in their homes.

The motivation for self-education becomes particularly important for acquiring general skills in the IT and communication technology area. This presupposes that mechanisms allowing easy and frequent access to computer equipment outside one's working environment will be found.

In this area, the State has a particular responsibility towards its employees.

Thus, one must find ways which will make it easier for civil employees to buy computers and other computer material for their personal use, and to encourage public bodies make these available, especially as a means of encouraging education in this area and increased contact with IT.

On the other hand, it is also important to look into ways of encouraging companies and other employers to do the same in relation to their employees. This can be done by creating conditions encouraging them to make computers and other computer material available to their employees for their personal use and to support them when buying this type of equipment.

Thus:
Under the terms of paragraph g) of article 199 of the Constitution, the Cabinet has hereby decided:

1 - To direct the Ministers of Finance, Science and Technology and of the State and Public Administration Reform to propose the definition of support mechanisms for the acquisition of computers and other computer material by civil employees. They should thus proceed with the necessary market consultation, specifically of companies in this sector and in the banking sector.

2 - To determine that the support mechanisms for the acquisition and availability of computers and other computer equipment referred to in previous point should be associated with the training or certification of skills in the area of new information and communication technologies by the people who acquire them or benefit from them, in ways to be proposed by the ministers referred to therein.

3 - To direct the Ministers of Finance, of Science and Technology to propose measures which favour support for the acquisition and availability of computers and other computer equipment by companies and other employers for the personal use of their respective employees.

4 - To determine that the ministers referred to in the previous points propose the measures referred to in this diploma to the Cabinet within a maximum period of three months.

The Presidency of the Cabinet, 7 of February of 2001. The Prime Minister, António Manuel de Oliveira Gueterres.