Written answers

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Departmental Programmes

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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259. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform 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. [30145/15]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware my Department does not have any paper based application processes for members of the public however we are taking major strides towards a paperless working environment.  We introduced a system for the electronic processing of PQs which has reduced the huge amount of paper associated with this process.  This is complemented by an esubmissions system.  The implementation of an electronic records management system, eDocs, is currently underway.  This system will address the challenges of enabling the department to manage files and documents more effectively removing paper from the process where possible.

The Government's second Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016 was published in January 2014.  This plan places a particular focus on improving service delivery.  This is being implemented in a number of ways including more digital delivery of services, better information sharing and the use of business process improvement to streamline key processes and eliminate duplication.

The bodies under my aegis include the Office of the Ombudsman who operate an online complaints system which also allows the complainant to track the progress of their complaint against a public body.  Similarly, the Office of the Information Commissioner also has a facility for making online applications for review of Freedom of Information decisions by public bodies, but also accepts written applications for reviews.  The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) use a fully on-line application process since the beginning of the 2007-2014 EU Programme period and I can confirm that SEUPB does not print application forms.  As part of their Strategic Plan 2015-2016 the Valuation Office are developing the range and quality of online services offered to their customers in line with their eGovernment Strategy.  The application process for campaigns run by the Public Appointments Service is already an online application process through publicjobs.ie. Members of the public interested in acting on State Boards can apply online through stateboards.ie.

The OPW have advised that they will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

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