Results 6,801-6,820 of 10,459 for speaker:Bertie Ahern

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am sure the former members of the health boards, who were part of the decision making process throughout——

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——as well as many members of the Opposition——

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: In light of the report, it is now possible to take a balanced view of this ICT programme——

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: ——and learn the important lessons on the management of large-scale projects.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is a lesson for the Health Service Executive members also. We can ensure the PPARS system is now used to the best effect for the health service. It was the first major ICT enabling project in the health sector for more than 20 years. Mistakes were made and they have been identified in the report. The task now is to ensure that we deal with major projects in the way outlined in the report....

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: They do not like me mentioning the former health board members.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am not sure which of the 25 questions I can answer in one minute.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: A new system of management and control of ICT projects in Government offices and Departments was announced by the Government during October. The Comptroller and Auditor General's report states this is the right way to go, for which we are glad.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: As part of that process, the Department of Finance has introduced a peer review process for ICT projects. Three such projects have been selected to commence immediately. The peer review process will comprise senior personnel from inside and outside the public service with a record of successful management of ICT projects.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: That peer review should help reduce the risk of sub-optimum outcomes, cost and time overruns and unexplored long-term maintenance issues. I have answered on this matter in the House and the review has been put in place.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: The Tánaiste answered on that issue. She said there is an examination of why——

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: She has clarified the matter.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It is clear the project needed to be scoped properly at an early stage. It should have avoided trying to achieve business and organisational change through the means of an ICT project which should have properly involved users and properly piloted the system before its introduction. The difficulties encountered in terms of the project getting bigger, costing more than estimated and taking...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: In particular, the Comptroller and Auditor General has highlighted the need for gateway reviews at various points in the life cycle of a project. We moved on this on 11 October last. The new system will ensure that all future major ICT projects will have the benefit of expertise from across the public sector and beyond, if necessary. With regard to PPARS specifically, it is worth pointing out...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: It has made over 600,000 payments, amounting to over €950 million.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: What is necessary is to get the remainder of the system workable so we can move it on as part of the health reform of one unified agency.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I am not sure to whom Deputy Rabbitte is referring when he states that somebody is holding up the settlement as a great victory for social partnership. Deputy Kenny and I did not say that so it is obvious he is talking about somebody outside the House.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I did not make any glib remark about responsibility.

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: I made it clear that major issues arise, with which we must deal, with regard to this and other ICT projects. I also make the point that the PPARS project began seven years ago in four health board areas. Governance of all activities of each body, including the PPARS project, were pursued on a conjoined basis between the boards and remained with the staff of each of the boards. No board ever...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Dec 2005)

Bertie Ahern: We will take ministerial responsibility. However, if one looks back at the reviews, which are also being considered as part of this, it will be seen that the health boards and Members on all sides of the House have a responsibility. That is not a glib point.