Intro

Ireland’s first Government Chief Information Officer, (CIO) Bill McCluggage, highlighted the positive progress that successful clusters like The European Tech Cluster are achieving for the economy, as he kicked off the Autumn schedule of Tech Thursday events in County Hall in Cork.[/intro]

Bill McCluggage

Mr McCluggage highlighted a range of policies that his department has achieved since taking office 88 days ago. In particular he addressed the issue of eGovernment and the five key principles that are required to drive success ahead of 2015, when the current eGovernment policy document expires.

“The needs of citizens and businesses must be at the centre of government. Public bodies should work to ensure that the online channel is the most attractive option for customers,” said Mr McCluggage.

“There is an overwhelming need to reduce the administrative burden for citizens and businesses. Government cannot afford to spend anything that does not solve a problem and have an return on investment. We need to invest in the right things. We have to challenge the status quo.”

Digital First

Mr McCluggage also highlighted a key responsibility of his role in formulating an information systems strategy that deliver a “step change in citizen experience of public services through ‘Digital First’, a metrics approach to performance which is Dashboard Driven and the development of Government as a platform for use.

Bill McCluggage became the State’s first CIO in June 2013. He is responsible for the strategic direction of technology right across the public sector. This is heralded as an appointment that was vital for the Government’s technology direction. Howeve, Mr McCluggage faces many challenges and opportunities in his new role.

Laya

“We are delighted that we were able to attract a high calibre speaker such as the Chief Information Officer,”. The words of Cian Kennedy of Laya Healthcare, who chairs the Tech Thursday series.

“His appointment bears out the reality that every that every large organisation, including the government of Ireland, needs a strategic plan in how their technology is to develop. There was plenty of engagement from the floor. it@cork, European Tech cluster members were keen to seek his advice and put questions to him.”

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