Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [34298/07]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 660: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the management information framework system has been fully rolled out in her Department; the use being made of performance indicators, the costing framework and management reports provided by this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34312/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 659 and 660 together.

The Management Information Framework has been fully operational in my Department. However, evaluation and improvement of the system is on-going and work is currently in hand to integrate into the system the fisheries related responsibilities which have been transferred to my Department. The main component of the Framework is the SAP R3 Accounts system which was introduced into the Department in 2001 and to which additional modules were added in 2003. The system was updated in 2006. When arrangements to include fisheries expenditure are complete, all funds disbursed by my Department will be accounted for on the system.

Apart from facilitating the efficient processing of payments and the production of the Appropriation Account and other statutory accounts, the system includes a management-reporting module which is available to management at all levels. Management reports, including information on administrative and programme expenditure, are examined at every meeting of the Department's Management Advisory Committee in order to monitor progress and manage programme delivery. My Department has a well developed system of business planning, which involves the production of Divisional plans with key performance indicators linked with the higher level goals in the Statement of Strategy for my Department.

It is not possible to identify what savings, if any, have accrued from the operation of the Management Information Framework. However, I believe that it has provided substantial operational improvements, including the automation of manual processes, and that it has improved significantly efficiency in the processing of payments. The Framework is also a useful management tool to senior management in providing accurate, up-to-date data in support of decision making and resource allocation.