Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
204. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the last time his Department's website was revamped or remodelled; the cost of same; if he or his departmental officials have been consulted regarding creating one stand alone online Government portal website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46009/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department undertook a revision to the www.finance.gov.ie website earlier this year and the switchover took place on 22 August 2017. The work was carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which provides ICT services to the Department of Finance. The design costs incurred as part of this revamp amounted to €8,050.35.
At a meeting on 19th October 2017, my Department was briefed on the potential for the development of a Digital Service Gateway - a single digital point where citizens can easily access information about the Government services that are available to them. It is expected that this work would involve the rationalisation of existing Government websites and online services over time and that the project would be managed and developed by existing resources within the civil service. I strongly support measures that improve citizens' awareness and understanding of, and access to, the services available to them.
I consider that this proposal represents a useful initiative and look forward to receiving further update on the matter.
