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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Projects.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

258 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of ICT projects or initiatives being undertaken by his Department; the cost of each project; if they are being or have been delivered within budget and on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/03]

The details of ICT projects and initiatives being undertaken in the Department of Foreign Affairs are listed as follows.

Project

Lifetime Costs

Within Budget

On Time

Completion Date

€m

Automated Passport System

27

Yes

Yes

2004/2005

Upgrade of the IT infrastructure

5

Yes

Yes

2005

Upgrade of communications links to Missions

1.25

Yes

Yes

2004/2005

The Deputy should note the following points. First, the automated passport system is essential to meet future demands for passports in an efficient and effective manner and to comply with new international regulations for passports. Second, to maintain Ireland's image as a modern, technologically advanced country, including during our upcoming Presidency of the European Union, it is vital that a fast, reliable communications system, expected of a modern foreign ministry, is available to the Department. A programme for upgrading the IT infrastructure commenced at headquarters in 2003 with a view to ensuring that up-to-date information is available to the Minister and his officials speedily and effectively. The figure includes the cost for the phased deployment of the new infrastructure to the offices of the Department worldwide over the next few years.
Third, the Department has 69 offices worldwide which receive and transmit information relating to all aspects of Ireland's representation, namely consular, political, economic, cultural and administrative business. At present, the communications links between the missions and headquarters are inadequate and a programme for upgrading these links commenced in mid-2003 with priority given to improving those most vital to our EU Presidency.
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