asked the Minister for Finance the expenditure in his Department on information technology equipment, on the engagement of consultancy firms for information technology projects and on direct computer personnel staffing costs in each year from 1986 to 1988 inclusive and the projected amount for 1989; and the extent to which the management grades in his own Department are involved in the development and use of information technology.
Written Answers. - Information Technology.
117.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department and for the offices under my aegis is set out in the following table.
Department of Finance
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
1,358,979 |
2,173,083 |
1,695,641 |
2,360,000 |
|
Consultancy |
109,273 |
126,245 |
177,062 |
23,000 |
|
Staffing costs |
1,696,283 |
1,796,245 |
1,857,451 |
2,043,201 |
With regard to the involvement of management grades in the development and use of IT, there is a local area network supporting some 314 personal computers in my Department which is extensively used by various management staff. My Department also, through the Central IT Services Section, has a service-wide role in promoting and assisting the development of IT. That section's management staff, therefore, are heavily involved in many aspects of IT promotion and development.
Office of the Revenue Commissioners
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
4,532,000 |
10,588,000 |
6,588,000 |
6,565,000 |
|
Consultancy |
—— |
—— |
72,000 |
700,000 |
|
Staffing costs |
2,435,000 |
2,760,000 |
2,973,000 |
3,300,000 |
Since the introduction of computers into the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in 1963, management grades at all levels have been involved in the selection, specification, building, testing, and operation of computer systems. Information technology is a key ingredient in the day-to-day work of most managers. In addition to the country wide computer network of 1,100 terminals, there are 300 microcomputers for word-processing, record management, electronic spreadsheets, etc. 120 of the latter are linked into a local area network which was installed specifically to meet the information technology needs of senior management.
Office of Public Works (OPW)
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
173,100 |
308,400 |
287,700 |
228,000 |
|
Consultancy |
8,000 |
30,000 |
20,400 |
—— |
|
Staffing costs |
37,600 |
44,700 |
48,400 |
50,600 |
OPW has a Planning and Information Technology Committee comprising the heads of the support units which plays the leading role in the development and use of IT. It is intended this year to commence a formal IT planning exercise which will involve the managers of each functional area.
State Laboratory
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
10,400 |
6,200 |
6,900 |
2,500 |
|
Consultancy |
—— |
—— |
—— |
—— |
|
Staffing costs |
No direct costs |
One designated officer is involved part-time in the development and use of information technology.
Valuation and Ordnance Survey
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
511,000 |
526,886 |
831,039 |
500,000 |
|
Consultancy |
—— |
—— |
—— |
—— |
|
Staffing costs |
No direct costs |
There is extensive involvement by Ordnance Survey management grades in the development of information technology used in the production of maps in graphic form. In the Valuation Office, IT applications are at the start-up stage and management staff have a significant involvement in development of suitable systems of application.
Civil Service Commission
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
77,482 |
8,948 |
5,975 |
17,000 |
|
Consultancy |
—— |
—— |
—— |
—— |
|
Staffing costs |
51,250 |
45,880 |
20,919 |
28,000 |
Management grades are fully involved in the development and use of information technology.
Office of the Ombudsman
|
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1989 Estimate |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
IT equipment |
24,869 |
17,580 |
13,094 |
16,000 |
|
Consultancy |
—— |
—— |
—— |
—— |
|
Staffing costs |
No direct costs |
The overall responsibility for the development and usage of information technology lies with the Personnel Officer.