Vol. 519 No. 3
162 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance the measures he has taken in the area of e-Government to facilitate members of the public conducting their dealings with the Government Departments through the Internet; the funding allocated to progress these initiatives; the time scale that has applied to ensure that these initiatives are dealt with effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13908/00]
Action Plan for the Information SocietyThe central objective of the Action Plan for the Information Society, which was approved by Government in July 1999, was to make Ireland one of the leaders in the emerging information society. The plan identified a number of key initiatives and assigned specific responsibility to a number of Departments for their achievement. These include, inter alia, initiatives to improve access and to address social inclusion (Taoiseach); electronic delivery of integrated public services (Taoiseach, Finance and Social, Community and Family Affairs (Reach); and the introduction of electronic procurement across all of the public service (Finance).
Access for All
The provision of access opportunities for the population who do not have PCs is a key aim. Alternative suggestions have been supported such as access points in libraries, schools, new government buildings etc. A new cross-organisation committee is being set up by the Department of the Taoiseach to give fresh consideration to access problems. Commitments on improved access have also been given in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
Reach
Working out the details behind the service model and procuring the technology to support the new electronic public services are the primary objectives of the Reach Cross-Departmental Unit in the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs (DSCFA). It is envisaged that the unit will be in a position to procure portal services early in 2001. It will also decide the candidate episodes for early implementation in 2001. Reach's programme of work is on a critical path and it has to carry out a large programme of work to a tight timescale.
Action Plan Funding
The Centre for Management Development and Organisation (CMOD) in my Department administers the Action Plan Fund (£30 million for 2000) and chairs the team that evaluates project proposals from Departments and offices. A number of requests for funding have been received and approved so far this year.
E-Procurement
E-procurement by public service agencies has been identified by IBEC and Forfás as being key to the wider implementation of electronic commerce in Ireland. It has the potential for significantly reducing procurement costs in public sector agencies through: bulk buying discounts, reduced administrative overheads, and further improving and standardising procurement practices in agencies. An interdepartmental committee, chaired by procurement section in my Department, has been charged with procuring and implementing an electronic procurement facility for the public service, which will provide; facilities for the publication of procurement opportunities; providing downloadable tender documentation; publication of results of procurement competitions; documentation on general procurement requirements; and facilities for on-line submission of tenders.
Next Steps
