New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

The Civil Service ICT Managers Forum has set up a Working Group to examineopportunities to build common solutions and functionalities using web technologies.Work will begin in early 2003. The creation of managed libraries of such solutions andfunctionality will be examined in this context.CMOD is examining a number of technologies to facilitate document and recordsmanagement and the creation of multi-functional Intranet and Extranet Portals.(3.5) eCabinet ProjectTAO/FINA prototype for the eCabinet project will be developed in 2003 with full deploymentthereafter incorporating:• Electronic distribution and management of Cabinet papers• Use of technologies to improve presentation of complex issues at Cabinet• Use of technologies in direct support of Cabinet meetings• Creation of new information resources.UpdateThe eCabinet initiative is progressing well. A presentation on the new model and how itwill operate was made to Cabinet in September 2002 and the Government was stronglysupportive.The system design is well advanced and consultation with stakeholders is ongoing with aview to completing the design. Part of the software system has been built and trialledsuccessfully. Work is continuing on design and build with a view to having a prototypeready to be piloted in the first half of 2003 – prior to rolling out the system toDepartments and going live later in 2003.(3.6) eLegislation• eEnablement of the process governing the preparation of legislationAGUpdateThe Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Office of the AttorneyGeneral, are developing a system, interoperable with eCabinet for the electronicdelivery of the legislative process, using the Web and other media, from the drafting ofbills, through the various stages, through to enactment into law. This will enable Irishcitizens and businesses to have full and immediate access in an integrated way to thelegislative process including amendments tabled and translations. The system willimprove the service provided to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, and willfacilitate an interactive capability to enable representations to be made as legislation isbeing processed.28