Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on progress in the implementation of the e-Cabinet project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/05]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the e-Cabinet project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17973/05]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

The main phase of e-Cabinet has been in operation across all Departments and ministerial offices since the middle of last year. It was introduced at Government meetings at the end of 2004. At an official launch in February 2005 the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for the information society, Deputy Kitt, signalled that milestone.

The benefits of e-Cabinet are already being felt. It enables instant, secure transmission of Government memoranda at draft and final stages. This means that Cabinet procedures, such as advance consultation with concerned Departments on particular proposals, can be implemented quickly and efficiently. Manual transmission of those memoranda has virtually ceased, along with all its limitations.

Improvements continue to be made in how information is being presented in the new electronic format so that key information can be highlighted. This is a valuable support for everybody involved — officials and Ministers — and is carried right through to Government meetings.

Some further phases of the project are due to be completed in the course of this year. My Cabinet colleagues and I are impressed with what the system has delivered to date. I am also pleased that it is being delivered within budget. It is an innovative project that is now beginning to attract considerable international interest from others who wish to make the best use of technology to support similar processes.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I note that Accenture's sixth annual report on global e-Government places Ireland at 14th place along with five other nations. That gives us the category of follower in terms of overall e-Government service maturity. What is the position regarding the public service broker or PSB as it is called? I understand this is a computer infrastructure project that will allow Departments to interact with each other and with the public. It would allow Departments to link up their various disparate computer systems, which would provide citizens with an integrated and efficient point of access to Government services. Where do we stand on that? Has this PSB gone live? What is the opportunity for citizens to be able to make contact in that sense? Where are we in terms of Government computer systems being integrated along the lines of the Accenture report?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The plan to link disparate systems that were unable to talk to each other —to use their own lingo — is almost complete. The current process of e-Government has already been completed because the whole system had to be integrated. The Deputy's question relates to broader computer systems and ensuring that each Department and agency is purchasing and using compatible equipment. The e-Cabinet project, which is linked to every Department, section and agency, is totally compatible. The advantage is that there is instant use of any information from a Department's IT section to the Government secretariat, involving documentation such as memoranda with which we are familiar. That is the benefit of the system. The Deputy's question related to the wider computer system for which the planned integration is well advanced. My understanding is that it will be completed this year.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is all above my head.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

To what extent will e-Government extend to subsidiary agencies, such as health service executives and local authorities, if that is what is intended?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

To the best of my knowledge, local authorities are already using the e-Government system.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

One would not think so to listen to them.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They spend more on computers than roads.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Please allow the Taoiseach to continue without interruption.

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

South Dublin County Council is certainly well advanced in this respect.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A leading player.