Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014
325. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding his Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016, and the intention that services be born digital and digital by design, the alternative arrangements he intends to make for citizens who will not be able to access online service provision due to inadequacy or unavailability of broadband connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4253/14]
View answerThe move to "digital by default" in the Public Service Reform Plan is an acknowledgement that digital delivery should be assumed for all new services, and that existing services may need to be re-engineered to take advantage of the ongoing changes in the technology landscape and the consequent impact on how services should be delivered and consumed. Any changes will need to reflect the obligation on public bodies to design services around the real needs of citizens and businesses, and this includes the obligation to take all reasonable measures to ensure that services are accessible. One of the barriers to accessing certain online public services may be the unavailability of suitable broadband in certain locations. However, the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources is currently implementing a National Broadband Plan which aims to deliver access to high speed broadband to all parts of the country, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.
