Departmental Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2014

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Questions (88)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

88. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the State's chief information officer (details supplied) resigned from the position six months after appointment by the Government; the steps that have been taken to replace the CIO and when a replacement will be appointed; if he is satisfied that the CIO was given adequate budget and resources to carry out the tasks; if he will consider that the work of Irish Water and the information technology systems it is developing and implementing should be validated by the CIO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3063/14]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Government Chief Information Officer tendered his resignation for personal family reasons.  We have commenced a recruitment process and I am confident that we will find a suitable replacement as soon as possible to ensure the continuity of our ambitious reform agenda.

In establishing the Office of Government CIO, the CIO identified the budget and resources required over the next number of years to carry out this role. The allocation identified for 2014 was negotiated through the annual estimates process. I am satisfied with this allocation which represents an increase on previous years. Allocation of additional staff has been agreed and additional resources will be allocated as the need arises.

In relation to validation of the work underway in Irish Water - the remit of the Government CIO extends to non-commercial public service bodies via their parent Departments. As such the CIO does not have a specific role regarding Irish Water which is a commercial public service body subject to the oversight of the C.E.R.