Digital Transformation Strategy in the Oireachtas of Ireland: An Analytical Overview
About the Oireachtas of Ireland. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The digital transformation strategy for legislative work, particularly in the context of the Irish Parliament, is a complex and multifaceted endeavour. This strategy engages multiple stakeholders: staff, members of the parliament, and the general public. Over a span of several years, a broad range of technological advancements have been planned, which include Enterprise Architecture Reviews, data modelling, business process mapping, and the development of specialised modules to handle various parliamentary tasks. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the critical challenges, accomplishments, and future prospects of the digital transformation strategy.
Key Challenges
Staff Challenges
For the staff, the journey began with an enterprise architecture review that encompassed data analysis, business process mapping, and technology solution reviews. This led to a shift from Lotus Notes to a more relational database model using Microsoft's MVC.NET hosted in Azure. The purpose was to streamline day-to-day operations and automate repetitive tasks, thereby freeing staff to add value to their roles, such as advising on legislative amendments.
Member Challenges
Members of the parliament expressed a need for a one-stop portal for various activities, from raising topical issues to requesting research. The development team aims to roll out approximately 15 modules over the next six years to cater to these needs. This is a significant challenge as expectations are high, and the timeline for delivery is tight.
Public Challenges
The most prominent challenge from the perspective of the public is transparency. The strategy involves an open data model that allows the public to scrutinise their representatives' actions without any interpretive filters. However, the data must be clean, and the interaction with the public should be seamless to allow for a meaningful relationship between the electorate and their representatives.
Accomplishments and Progress
Over the last four years, 14 modules have been built, and a digital order paper is set to go live soon. The accomplishment here is not just in the number of modules but in the foundational change that has been implemented. This progress sets the stage for more advanced functionalities, such as automatic speech recognition for debates and real-time updates for members and staff. While this is commendable, it is essential to recognise that this is merely a stepping stone for future advancements.
Future Prospects and Demands
The strategy has a timeline extending up to the end of 2027, with plans to develop around 40 interconnected and integrated modules. The rising demands from various business units within the legislative house pose a challenge, especially when resources are limited to running three development teams. The strategy also aims to open up these systems to the public, allowing them to raise parliamentary questions and engage more efficiently with the legislative process.
Oversight and Policy Implications
The Committee Secretariat, a crucial arm of the Irish Parliament, plays a vital role in overseeing public policies. Digital transformation in this area is ongoing, with six modules planned and half of them already in the development phase. Completion of this task is crucial for enhanced scrutiny and transparency in public policies.
Conclusion
The digital transformation strategy in legislative work, as illustrated by the Irish Parliament, is a monumental task that involves the participation and cooperation of multiple stakeholders. While significant accomplishments have been made, the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. However, the ultimate aim remains clear: to enhance the efficacy, transparency, and inclusivity of the legislative process for staff, members, and the public. Given the pace of technological change, the strategy must be agile, adaptable, and, above all, aligned with the democratic principles it aims to uphold.