Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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267. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware of the business transformation project being undertaken by an organisation (details supplied) which, according to the published council minutes, appears to be stalled in year four of what was meant to be a three year project; will she make a statement on the cost overrun, if any, in this instance; if her Department provides any support to bodies under its aegis who undertake such projects, or conduct monitoring of the success or otherwise of such projects; and the manner in which she intends to support the organisation and other public bodies who face such challenges and project delays indicative of an overarching issue in the public sector. [17811/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI – The Pharmacy Regulator) is undertaking a digital transformation journey that is bringing numerous benefits to the PSI and its registrants and will deliver an effective and efficient digital service to members of the public. A key objective of the Business Transformation Programme (BTP) is to deliver a ‘Single Customer View’ - streamlining and modernising processes in relation to registration, complaint, concern and query management, and inspections, and delivering efficiencies for the PSI and those who engage with them. It will also deliver improved data quality across PSI systems, supporting their risk-based approach to regulation.

This programme is giving effect to PSI’s Digital Policy Statement, which reflects their broader public service policy commitments to digital services and developments.

At the project's outset, a robust governance structure was put in place in PSI to ensure appropriate monitoring and oversight of the delivery of the BTP. This includes an internal project team, a Steering Group, and a Programme Board. The Programme Board in the PSI is responsible for supervising the programme of work outlined in the business case and project plan. Key responsibilities include:

• Reporting to the PSI Council on BTP progress, budget, key risks, and issues, with updates presented by the Chair.
• Ensuring that board members appointed by the Council include a chairperson who is a Council member, at least two Council members, and a minimum of one external member with significant expertise in technology and business transformation.
• Advising, supporting, and overseeing the Steering Group through formal meetings.
• Reviewing each project milestone and assessing the next phase of delivery, with the objective of approving the corresponding drawdown contract and associated funding.
• Overseeing the change budget for the BTP, ensuring alignment with the change control process and delegated authority.
• Recommending to the Council whether to continue, pause, or stop the BTP based on the assessment of risks and issues.
• Promoting and advocating for the BTP among both internal and external stakeholders.

The current phase of the project is focused on digitising the inspection and investigation functions of the PSI. The timeframe for delivery of this phase was originally Q4 2025. This is under review based on the initial cost estimate and proposed technology solution approach submitted by the technology partner based on the requirements provided. The proposed approach was independently assessed by a third party for quality assurance and validation purposes, and a decision was subsequently made to pause and revisit the requirements. Further internal review and prioritisation of requirements are now being carried out to ensure a fit-for-purpose technology solution can be provided that delivers required business benefits and value for money.

The PSI are an independent regulatory body, they operate for public accountability purposes under the aegis of the Minister for Health. Updates on progress are also provided to my Department through regular Governance Meetings.