But Ireland's overall Service Majority score rose 10 percentage points over the last year to 48.6%. The survey said this reflects the refinement and expansion of existing services, plus the introduction of new online services including driving test applications and vehicle registration for car dealers and distributors.
The Accenture study found that of the 149 services for which the Irish Government is responsible, 139 are available online to some degree. This has resulted in a Service Maturity Breadth rating of 92%, up from 892.% in 2002. However, the speed of implementation progress has not kept pace with recent years and with other countries.
The survey also found that improving citizen satisfaction is the key factor driving the development of online government services. The survey says this is far more significant than the pressure to reduce costs.
Accenture interviewed over 140 senior executives in government agencies across Europe, North America and Asia. 22 countries were also studied including Ireland, the UK, the US and Australia.
For the third year in a row, Canada topped the list in terms of overall e-Government maturity. Other countries which made the top 10 included Singapore, the US, Denmark, Australia, Finland, Hong Kong, the UK, Belgium and Germany. Ireland ranked 11th overall, with France 12th.
'The challenge for the year ahead, particularly in light of the slowdown in implementation of its e-Government programme is to focus its priorities and continue to direct those e-Government services that will deliver greatest value for its constituents,' Accenture said in a commentary on Ireland's position.
Quelle: OnBusiness
