New government Chief Information Officer

After almost four years of waiting, Ireland has finally a government-appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO). Originally signalled in October 2009 under the previous government, it was not until June 2013 that Bill McCluggage was appointed to the role within the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. He brings significant public sector experience to the Irish Government. Previously CIO for Northern Ireland and deputy government CIO in the UK Cabinet Office, he has expertise in delivering large IT projects and driving ICT strategies.

Reporting to the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the CIO is responsible for the strategic direction of technology in support of the wider mission and strategic change objectives in the Irish public sector. This includes implementation of the following strategies:

eGovernment 2012 – 2015: The policy statement identifies a number of priority action areas for public bodies which are intended to enhance public service delivery; ensure that citizens and businesses have ease of access to a range of services through multiple channels; improve data sharing across public service organisations; and, develop a more integrated approach.
Cloud Computing Strategy: Calls for a strategic approach to public sector engagement with cloud computing and to undertake a comprehensive programme of data centre consolidation. It details the criteria to be considered by individual public bodies when considering public cloud offerings, and highlights how a government Cloud will be progressively phased in.

In addition to chairing the CIO Council, the CIO will head up the newly created Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. OGCIO replaces the Centre for Management and Organisation Development (CMOD) and will seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery through ICT.

Summary of new structures:

Role of Government CIO: Leads the cross-organisational CIO Council in devising and implementing an ICT strategy and is currently responsible for all IT operations in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO): Replacing CMOD, the OGCIO has a wide remit and is responsible for ICT Strategy development of the Public Service; Government Networks; eGovernment Systems Development; eGovernment Policy; EU and International engagement; ICT Metrics; plus delivery of an IT Shared Service to the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Finance and the HR Shared Service Peoplepoint.

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council: A representative forum for senior managers with responsibility for ICT and/or eGovernment has been established and is chaired by the Department for Public Expenditure & Reform. The CIO Council provides expert input to decisions and actions to maximise the positive impact of ICT and eGovernment on public service reform and customer service

Wednesday, 21 August 2013