merrion street

Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister of State for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment, today (Thursday 27th July) announced the publication of the eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020.


The new strategy has been developed to build upon the first eGovernment Strategy (eGovernment 2012-2015) with the aim of succinctly setting out the next phase for eGovernment in Ireland. The Strategy focuses on 10 key actions which cover a range of themes, including presentation of services, secure online identification, underlying infrastructure and appropriate skilling.

The new strategy also takes note of the contextual changes that have taken place in Ireland over the last number of years, such as technology innovation, a more ‘joined-up’ Civil Service, and developments across the EU, particularly in the areas of data protection, the eGovernment Action Plan and the Digital Single Market. It also recognises the progress that has continued to be made and the momentum that has been created by the Public Service ICT Strategy, and its 18-step delivery plan.

The new eGovernment Strategy is closely aligned with the Public Service Reform Plan and the Civil Service Renewal Plan. It also provides an ICT response to important themes addressed in the National Action Plan 2016-2018 such as:

1. Increased citizen engagement to improve policies and services;
2. Increased transparency to better understand government activities and decisions;
3. Open data to facilitate transparency and innovation; and
4. Anti-corruption and strengthened governance and accountability, to ensure integrity in public life.

Minister O’Donovan commented ‘The new eGovernment Strategy sets out our plans to be a leader in the provision of digital government services. We have made substantial progress over the last few years and want to build upon that. The expectations of our people are very clear in terms of more convenient, intuitive and joined-up digital services; delivering on these expectations will be one of my key priorities going forward.’

 
Notes for Editors

eGovernment Strategy 2017-2020: 10 Actions
1. Develop a Digital Service Gateway;
2. Maintain an overall Digital Programme plan, overseen by our eGovernment Minister;
3. Develop our existing e-ID capability;
4. Develop similar plans to facilitate business and location identification;
5. Enhance our data-sharing capability;
6. Introduce legislation to support our data-sharing ambitions;
7. Continue to develop our Open Data portal;
8. Transform our “back office” processes;
9. Ensure appropriate governance is in place;
10. Ensure our people have the skills and capabilities to help us move forward

Public Service ICT Strategy
The 2015 Public Service ICT Strategy set out how Ireland would further develop its use of R&D and technology to meet the growing needs and expectations of its people. When delivered, this Strategy would create a new model for ICT delivery across the Public Service; delivering more efficiency and effectiveness through a more integrated, shared and inclusive digital environment. For more information please see here.

The Public Service ICT Strategy 5 Pillars and 18 Step Action Plan
• Digital First
• Digital Programme Office
• Digital Service Gateway
• Communications Plan
• Public Service Card / MyGovID Uptake
• Data as an Enabler
• NDI Development
• Best Practice Mapping
• Proof of Concept
• Build to Share
• BTS Infrastructure Build (including Help Desk Support)
• Data Centre
• Technical Roadmap
• Government Cloud
• Best Practice & Governance
• BTS Applications
• Internal Portal
• Information / Records Governance
• Improve Governance
• ICT Advisory Board
• CIO Forum
• Increase Capability
• ICT HR Strategy
Please see here for more information.

The EU eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020
The EU eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020 highlights the importance of the digital transformation of government for the success of the European Digital Single Market, by helping to remove existing digital barriers and preventing further fragmentation arising in the context of the modernisation of public administrations. It recommends that Member States observe 20 principles, in order to deliver the significant benefits that eGovernment can bring to businesses, citizens and public administrations. More information is available here.