Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
96. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status on an application by a school (details supplied) under the Public Service Innovation Fund; the timeframe for decisions on applications for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7209/20]
View answerThe Public Service Innovation Fund was established in 2019 as an initiative under the current framework programme for reform in the Public Service - Our Public Service 2020. This highly competitive fund aims to support innovative projects from across the Public Service and turn their ideas into a reality. Projects are evaluated on specific criteria: value, outcomes and user impact; novelty; transferability, scalability and learning; collaboration with other organisations; evidence-base for application; and the procurement plan and contribution of the recipient organisation.
Projects are sought that can:
- help add value to Public Service organisations and make what they do better for the user/public;
- help create efficiencies throughout the Public Service;
- demonstrate new ways of working and help deliver strategic outcomes for the Public Service
- implement approaches and ideas that can be spread elsewhere or help to create learnings for other Public Servants from experimentation
- encourage cross-organisational or cross-silo working and show commitment from organisations to innovation; and
- use evidence and data to drive innovation or seek to create evidence and data for future innovations.
The number and quality of applications received to the 2020 call for projects demonstrates the high levels of innovation and enthusiasm across all sectors of the Public Service. Just over 9 per cent of applications received funding offers in the latest call and all applicants have been notified of the outcome of their application during w/b 11th May.
Public servants from all sectors are encouraged to join up to the recently established Innovation Network where they will hear about future funding calls and innovation-related development opportunities. More information is available at: www.ops2020.gov.ie/innovation.
