Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:107 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons for the delay in the public services broker project which is central to the e-Government programme. [12055/03]
Written Answers. - Access to Public Services.
The objective of the public services broker project is to create a single point of access to public services in Ireland. Since its inception, the Reach Agency has progressed the project by defining the technical architecture for the public services broker, building a proof of concept, developing a brand and communications strategy around broker services and by providing a definition of public services identity, PSI. In January 2002, Reach sought partners to build the public services broker and almost 30 companies from around the world responded to the notice published in the EU Journal.
Following an exhaustive first phase evaluation, it is intended to move shortly to the next stage of the process, leading ultimately to the award of a contract for building a defined phase of the broker. This phase will provide the basic foundations of the broker and allow Departments and agencies to offer their services on-line in a secure, reliable manner. Later phases will extend the range of channels and services offered through the broker.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 105.