Government unveils digital strategy

The Government has unveiled its new digital strategy for delivering public services, proposing the use of social media and mobile services be considered to make public bodies more accessible, efficient and reduce costs.

The eGovernment strategy, which covers 2012 to 2015, also encourages greater sharing of data between Government public bodies, wider adoption of online payments and the use of smartphone optimised sites and apps.

The move could lead to reduced fees for those applying online and help free up staff currently engaged in front-line work.

As part of the strategy, which was published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, a number of services will be assessed by the end of next year to see if they are suitable for electronic delivery, including the renewal of adult passports, planning applications and objections, and welfare applications.

Also being considered is the roll-out of Fixyourstreet.ie, which allows citizens to report road and path problems, graffiti and illegal dumping directly to the council, across all local authorities.

“The Government recognises the need for public services to be delivered faster, better and more efficiently to citizens and businesses. Intelligent, targeted use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and eGovernment are key enablers for these improvements. The new strategy places citizens and businesses at the centre of eGovernment,” Mr Howlin said.

Data made available to the public will also be produced in a re-usable format, to encourage greater transparency.

The strategy also lays out a number of implementation and governance requirements that public bodies must stick to.

Mr Howlin said progress was already being made, with a public service chief information officer council already set up, with the aim of advancing ICT and eGovernment issues, and a data sharing clearing house that is designed to facilitate data sharing across the public service.