In 2002, the government published the strategy document New Connection, outlining what e-government services should be given priority and setting out a definitive timetable for their implementation.
However, it has emerged that government departments and state bodies have not met the specified targets in 41 of the 70 initiatives. While many were completed after their initial deadline, as many as 20 are still not finished or have been put on hold.
The initiatives, which range from applying for a driving licence online to the controversial integrated service project for the Department of Health, were described by the government in 2002 as "central to how we evolve as an information society".
The Department of Education was charged with implementing four e-government projects. Of those, just one has been implemented on time, while a system allowing the payment of student grants online and a "further education management information system" have been deferred.
The Department of Foreign Affairs was due to have a facility enabling people to apply for a passport online by the end of 2003. However, that project has stalled due to problems over security and electronic signatures.
The Office of Public Works has fulfilled its obligations, although three of its four initiatives were late, while the fourth, online viewing of the state art collection, has been introduced in a limited form due to copyright issues.
Autor: Ian Kehoe
Quelle: The Sunday Business Post, 16.10.2005
