Vol. 472 No. 7
122 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total moneys spent on computerisation and related matters in his Department in each of the years 1995 and 1996; and the anticipated expenditure in this regard in 1997. [24231/96]
128 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on the use of computerisation in his Department; the anticipated development of computers in the years ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24125/96]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 122 and 128 together.
My Department is heavily dependent on the use of information technology for its operations as all of the main income support systems have now been computerised.
On-line transaction processing systems have been developed based on central processors connected over a network to terminals located in the Department's offices.
In general the central processor-networked terminal model of computing has been very successful. It has provided a very robust, flexible, secure, high performance platform at relatively low cost. The chosen hardware and software strategies have enabled the Department to grow its IT capabilities in an incremental and cost effective way. The network design has provided a reliable infrastructure which has enabled telecommunications costs to be kept to a minimum.
Computerisation has facilitated the development of features such as a single central database of customer personal details, the use of a unique identifier — RSI number — integration of schemes and the use of the social services card in establishing identity and accessing payments.
The strategy adopted has yielded benefits in terms of ability to deliver payments securely and within acceptable time limits as well as significant gains in efficiency and better control.
The development of the Department's IT systems in the future will have, as a central focus, the need for further integration of services and service delivery within the Department and with services delivered by other agencies involved in the provision of social services. The development of more effective service to the customer is central to the Government's Strategic Management Initiative and the programme for the Delivery of Better Government.
A major review of the Department's IT strategy was carried out in 1995 as well as a detailed review of networking needs to identify how IT systems could be modernised and upgraded to meet future needs.
The computer industry is also constantly changing and suppliers of IT products and services are adopting new business strategies. My Department is conscious of the need to take advantage of opportunities offered by these new strategies and advances in technology while, at the same time, protecting its main production systems against undue risk.
