Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 831: To ask the Minister for Defence 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. [34316/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department commenced the process of rolling out the Management Information Framework system in the Department and throughout the Defence Forces in January 2006 with the implementation of the financial and inventory management modules. Interfaces to and from human resources and payroll applications were also developed in that context.

The core financial management system is currently being enhanced by the addition of a business intelligence layer, with the capacity to report on key performance indicators. Limited use has been made of performance indicators from the core system over the past two years. Key performance indicators, and the measurement of performance, are being further developed in the context of the new Annual Outset Statements, which were introduced earlier this year.

A number of reports and queries are used for collecting and reviewing costs. The General Ledger module contains data relating to costs attributed to subheads and cost centres. An Enterprise Assets Maintenance application provides maintenance cost management capabilities. The Projects product is currently being reviewed as a mechanism for providing an integrated cost management solution for all projects and activities across the Department and Defence Forces.

The financial and management system contains a wide variety of management reports to inform decision-making regarding the allocation and use of resources. The use of the business intelligence facility referred to above will further enhance management information capabilities as will other initiatives, such as making available periodic management reporting packs, which are currently being developed.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 832: To ask the Minister for Defence 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. [34447/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Management Information Framework (MIF) project aims at ensuring more efficient processing of financial transactions and accounts; better decision-making about the allocation of resources; more efficient and effective management of resources once allocated; and greater transparency in, and accountability for, the use of resources. While the implementation of the new system has resulted in improved business processes, better availability of timely and accurate management information to support the decision-making process and better resource management based on this information, it is not possible to quantify any financial savings that may have accrued during 2007 as a result of the operation of the new system.