Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the implementation of the Technology Strategy and Roadmap for his Department; the expected costs of the implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49122/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The five-year Technology Strategy and Roadmap for the Department of Defence was launched in March 2023 with the vision of the Department leading in the adoption of new technologies and digital ways of working to support the effective delivery of our policy objectives. Eight strategic objectives were identified including leveraging data as an enabler to inform decision-making; embedding high quality cyber security tools and procedures to mitigate against evolving risks; and promoting learning and development as an asset to develop ICT skillsets and capabilities across the Department.

A Digital and Technology Steering Board, with membership from senior leadership across the Department and an external IT leader, was established to provide high-level oversight on the implementation of the strategy. The board ensures alignment with the Department’s corporate strategy, business objectives and cross cutting Defence Forces’ technology initiatives. It also prioritises individual projects to ensure the most efficient use of the available resources.

New initiatives under the strategy are being delivered alongside support and maintenance of existing ICT services by a blend of Department staff and insourced specialist ICT resources.

A roadmap of opportunities has been identified to drive digital transformation across the Department. Many of these initiatives have been successfully delivered, with key achievements to date including the successful upgrade of our Oracle eBus Suite financial system, roll-out of the Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System, development of a new Procurement Tracking System and the introduction of Microsoft TEAMs for communication and collaboration across the Department. Other on-going initiatives have seen significant progress and will continue for the duration of the strategy including simulated phishing email campaigns and regular cyber security awareness training for all staff.

As we have now reached the half way stage of the strategy, a mid-term review has been initiated and will be progressed over the coming weeks. The review will include engagement with key stakeholders and will look to identify areas where new opportunities have emerged in the fast changing technology landscape. This will include a focus on opportunities for AI adoption and better use of data for policy development.

In relation to costs, following a public procurement competition, a team of specialist technical resources from Accenture was on-boarded in 2024 to support the Department in the delivery of technology strategy projects. Expenditure under this contract was €189,843 in 2024 and €530,425 to date in 2025 (both figures ex VAT). Due to the changing nature of the technology landscape and the evolving digital needs of the Department, the roadmap of work must be agile and adaptable to meet changing priorities. However, it is expected costs will remain broadly similar over the remaining term of the strategy.