Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [34310/07]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Management Information Framework has been fully implemented in my Department. While the actual savings resulting from the use of the system have not been specifically quantified, the use of the system has resulted in increased efficiencies and greater productivity across a range of activities, in particular through:

the provision of an integrated modular financial management system which automates and streamlines financial transaction processing, thus eliminating duplication and increasing productivity;

use of technology to provide electronic processing, for example electronic funds transfer for payments to suppliers and staff, thus eliminating unnecessary delays and providing enhanced service to the Department's customers;

the ability to record financial data at a more detailed level which enhances the management information available to my Department, including the availability of cost allocation and both cash and accruals data;

improved reporting capacity, allowing for the development of reports to meet a broad range of statutory reporting and management information requirements, including for financial management and budgeting, statutory accounting and reporting, evaluation of value for money, resource allocation and decision-making purposes;

and the provision of enhanced controls over expenditure and compliance requirements.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [34325/07]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Management Information Framework system has been fully implemented in my Department. This system provides the Department with a flexible system of financial management, integrated with performance and output measurement so as to enhance accountability, efficiency and performance. The MIF system ensures more efficient processing of financial transactions and accounting and provides a range of reports for management information. The system provides and facilitates the use of better financial information including the allocation of costs to the Department's objectives, which, in turn, provides enhanced information for management decision making and allocation of resources.

Performance Indicators have been developed to measure performance across the range of Departmental activities as set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy and are reported in the Department's Annual Report. Performance Indicators are also defined at operational level and are used by managers at Divisional level to monitor progress against annual Business Plans. Given the nature of my Department's role and the objectives which are being pursued, the use of quantitative indicators has not always been found to be appropriate. However, an appropriate mix of qualitative and quantitative indicators has been identified to assist in measuring and evaluation of progress against objectives.

The MIF system also provides the framework for information presented in the Department's Annual Output Statement, which expands on each of the Department's Strategic Objectives. This Statement explicitly links the inputs and resources associated with each Strategic Objective to the outputs achieved, thus providing transparency on the use of the Department's resources and a means for evaluation of the use of those resources against achievements.