Delivering the opening address at a conference on eGovernment today, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform explained some of the achievements so far in the delivery of eGovernment across the Public Service, described by the Minister as being “vitally important” to the Government’s reform programme and which must be viewed as “an improvement on more traditional modes of service delivery”.
Progress so far includes the establishment of a Public Service Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council, a representative forum for senior managers, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and comprising of members from across the Public Service. Along with this, a data-sharing clearing house was set up to review all relevant legislative provisions in relation to data sharing between public bodies and develop principles for the sharing of data. This group met for the first time last week.
EGovernment strategy
According to the Minister, the next phase of eGovernment will: Continue momentum with online services; use new and emerging technologies and media; ensure that eGovernment is designed around real needs; include steps to improve take-up; and ensure that Public Service data is available for re-use.
The strategy will also incorporate actions on digital mapping, identity and authentication, and data sharing across public bodies.
This new eGovernment strategy will be discussed in Cabinet and published online next week.
Public Service Reform Plan
According to the Minister, eGovernment plays a role in the five major commitments underpinning the Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011. These commitments include: Placing customer service at the core of everything the Public Service does; maximising new and innovative service delivery channels; reducing costs to drive better value for money; leading, organising and working in new ways; and retaining a strong focus on implementation and delivery.