Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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428. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his Department or agencies under the authority of his Department have performed an assessment of the potential savings to be accrued if current paper-based application processes by members of the public were replaced with a fully online application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that neither my Department nor its agencies are currently conducting the type of assessment outlined by the Deputy. However, in the past some processes have been migrated to electronic forms of communication, with resultant savings.

In recognition of the potential benefits of on-line application systems, my Department developed an on-line management platform - the Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP) - to administer a range of childcare programmes. The objectives of the PIP are to reduce paperwork and duplication of effort, to simplify administration and to enhance the service experience of childcare providers and the other stakeholders involved, including City/County Childcare Committees. The PIP also provides a more comprehensive, integrated set of management processes, more efficient work practices, greater visibility and control of funds.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has developed and implemented on-line processes in a number of its services, resulting in significant savings. As part of its ongoing internal reform agenda it is currently exploring other options to make better use of its on-line access channels and to expand these to include other services.