NI Direct website prepares to celebrate First Birthday

Junior Minister Robin Newton has launched the latest phase of advertising for the NI Direct website as the site approaches its first birthday.

NI Direct, which went live in March 2009, is a “one stop shop” for government information and services and in the last year has recorded over one million visitors and almost four million page views.

Launching the latest phase of advertising today, Minister Newton said: “More people than ever are using the internet to find information and conduct personal business such as banking, booking holidays and buying online.

“NI Direct, which has been specially designed for the citizen is well placed to take advantage of this growing trend. People seeking information often do not know which department holds the information they are looking for. NI Direct makes it easy for them as information on the site is not only very comprehensive but is held under easily recognisable themes and moreover is held on the one website. I would encourage anyone looking for government information to log on.

He added: “This initiative is a clear demonstration of our commitment to improve access to government information and services. It also allows people to read the information at a time that suits them.

“Online transactions are also an important part of the services provided. The site hosts a large number of transactions such as appointments for vehicle theory and MOT tests. People with access to a computer can save time and effort by completing these online.

“Anyone looking for benefit information can also use the online benefit calculator or benefits advisor service to calculate what they may be entitled to.”.

Notes to editors:

1. The NI Direct website address is: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk

2. Definitions:

• Visitor – A computer from which a person / persons are browsing. A Visitor is identified using a combination of IP address, domain name, or cookie. A visitor can make multiple visits to the site.
• Visits – Number of times the specified visitor visited the site. A visit is a series of actions that begins when a visitor views their first page from the server, and ends when the visitor leaves the site or remains idle beyond the idle-time limit.

3. There are 16 themes within nidirect under headings such as, Motoring, Property and housing, Employment and Money, tax and benefits. Transactions include booking your MOT, ordering birth, death and marriage certificates, buying or renewing your TV licence or the Benefits Adviser Service to see what benefits you may be entitled to. The site also contains useful public information video and audio downloads.

4. Junior Minister Robin Newton attended a photocall to mark the launch of the latest phase of advertising. Photographs will be issued by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress. Alternatively you can contact Marie Muldoon on 07855 231341.

5. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.