New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

The RFT being prepared for issue to migrate the current Estimates database to MS SQLServer is being held back until January 2003 in order to reflect on the findings of thisprocess.(3.9) Planning ApplicationsELG• The delivery of a system by end 2003 to facilitate the receipt by Dúchas of draft plans,planning and development applications, foreshore licence applications etc. fromplanning and other regulatory authorities. The system will enable the tracking ofapplications and submissions made thereon and will provide public access.UpdateTenders for the development of the system have been received and are currently beingevaluated. It is intended to award the contract in February, subject to a review of theproject in the light of a report on the final division of Dúchas responsibilities betweenthe Department of the Environment & Local Government and the Office of PublicWorks. The report is expected in January 2003.(3.10) Integrated Housing PackageELG• Automated exchange of information between local authorities and the Department ofthe Environment and Local Government• Unified housing system for all 88 housing authorities• Online provision of housing servicesUpdateTenders have been received for the development of this major hub-and-spoke system tohandle all elements of local authority housing business. It is anticipated that thecontract will be awarded early in 2003. The system will facilitate data exchange betweenLocal Authorities and the Department and will enable a range of housing services to bemade available online. The development and roll-out of the system is likely to takeapproximately three years.(3.11) Public Sector Technical Communications InfrastructureFINA new VPN (Virtual Private Network) will be progressed during 2002 to enhance existinginfrastructure for communications between Departments and Agencies and to support thedelivery of the Public Services Broker and the e-government process. It will provide for:30