Vol. 518 No. 3
226 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a qualified person is employed in the Department to develop information communication technology systems for use in the Department, on an inter-Department basis and outwards to conduct business with the general public and public representatives. [11658/00]
My Department has for many years been at the forefront in adopting new technology and makes extensive use of computer systems in the delivery of services. Qualified staff in my Department's information systems division are engaged in the development and deployment of systems using information and communications technologies to deliver services both internally and externally.
My Department also has a key role in the development of the next generation of integrated on line state services. I have already taken steps in conjunction with other Departments to progress the development of these new services including the introduction of enabling provisions in the Social Welfare Act, and supporting the range of measures contained in the information society action plan. Additionally, I have established a new unit in my Department to co-ordinate the development of integrated Government services as part of the REACH initiative.
The Department's portfolio of systems and their inter-relationships is kept under constant review and the systems developed using information and communication technologies will continue to evolve to reflect changes in policy, in business strategy, and in industry trends.
