Departmental Strategies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2013

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Questions (40)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

40. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider enhancing the resources he has allocated to his Department's e-governance function with the specific remit of developing the State's capacity to deliver a whole range of services online and at a single portal; the present budget and staff that the e-governance unit is allocated; if he will provide figures outlining the potential saving to the State of enhancing online governance capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/13]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The appointment of Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Bill McCluggage, is the first key action in enhancing the resources available to assist the successful implementation of the eGovernment Strategy. The CIO took up his appointment on 10 June and is currently assessing what is required to ensure that ICT-enabled change is delivered across the Public Service.

In consultation with the CIO Council and public bodies, my Department continues to examine the potential efficiency and effectiveness gains of eGovernment. I look forward to the Government CIO’s recommendations on specific actions to be prioritised in the context of the eGovernment Strategy. The CIO’s recommendations will take account of resource implications and the potential benefits of these activities to citizens and business.