eGovernment

Description:

Technology is not an end in itself but it can enable the public sector not just to cut costs but to adopt fundamentally different ways of doing things. The Public Service Reform plan identifies better and increased use of ICT will enable improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery. Actions to be taken include: the new Public Services Card, a new Data Sharing Clearing House, data centre consolidation strategy, and an open data initiative. However, to tap the full potential of ICT and the associated cost savings, technology should be used to re-engineer the business processes of the public sector.

Implication(s):

Following the February 2014 departure of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Government will have to identify a replacement to head up the recently created Office of the Government Chief Information Officer at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A government-wide CIO council has also been established that will be chaired by the newly created position. The CIO is responsible for the 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.

Current Position:

The recently launched eGovernment and cloud computing strategies form a key plank of the public service reform plan. The CIO and the associated structures has the potential to facilitate true transformation in public service delivery. Government should seek the assistance to top-tier technology expertise available in Ireland to leverage the know-how of the tech sector.

Download documents:

Delivering_for_the_citizen_2013 (final).pdf - 2,844 Kbytes

Contact:

Aidan Sweeney
Phone: +353 1 605 1642
Email: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie

Last Updated: 08/21/2013