Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimate of the money saved to the Exchequer in 2007 by the use of the management information framework system; the way this saving was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34306/07]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the management information framework system has been fully rolled out in his Department; the use being made of performance indicators, the costing framework and management reports provided by this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34321/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 427 together.

The benefits of the Management Information Framework (MIF) are measured in terms of improved efficiency, greater financial controls, enhanced accountability and the promotion f a value for money approach to all financial transactions. It is not possible to attribute a specific financial saving to the introduction of the MIF. However, it has resulted in increased efficiency and the availability of clearer financial information, in real time, to decision-makers, meaning that better decisions can be made on the use of resources.

To date the Management Information Framework has resulted in:

The introduction of a modern, cost effective Financial Management and Reporting System;

Enhanced financial reporting capabilities of the Department;

The roll-out of on-line access to the financial management systems at HQ and over 60 Missions abroad;

The introduction of electronic payments at HQ; and

The deployment of performance indicators.

Budgetary responsibility has been delegated to budget holders and the resulting costing and reporting framework provides the basis for all financial management of the funds allocated to the Department. Senior management reviews financial performance on an ongoing basis.

The Management Information Framework project is near completion. The last remaining part is the upgrade of our travel and subsistence system which I expect will be completed in 2008. This year, for the first time, my Department submitted an Annual Output Statement, dealing with the year 2006. The Output Statement makes use of the Performance Indicators included in my Department's current Statement of Strategy. The comprehensive financial information included in that Output Statement is too detailed for inclusion here but the Deputy will wish to be aware that it is available on my Department's website, www.dfa.ie. A new Statement of Strategy is currently close to completion and will set out new Performance Indicators for the period 2008 to 2010.