Local Government Computer Services Board Enterprise House, The National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick

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1 Local Government Computer Services Board Phoenix House, 27 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 Local Government Computer Services Board Enterprise House, The National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick Phone (01) Fax (01) [email protected] Web

2 Introduction and Context Mission Statement Board Members Customer Services Customer Account Management Products & Services Review HIS Group ICT Conference for 2007 Knowledge Management Centre - KMC Business & Finance Procurement Housing Environment - EDEN Transportation - Online Roadworks Control (OLRWC) Planning Systems & Services Human Resources, Payroll and Superannuation Project Financial Management System (FMS) ereturns Strategic ICT and Research ICT Consultancy Services Hosting Database Support and Services Internal LAN and Organisational Research Strategic Networks

3 Corporate Services Health & Safety Disability Act 2005 Official Languages Act Financial Review Statement of Board Responsibilities Auditor's Report Accounting Policies Financial Accounts Appendices 1. Functions of the Board 35

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5 Introduction and Context 5 The business and ICT environment in which the Local Government Computer Services Board operates has changed radically since the time the LGCSB was first established. Accordingly much of the effort of the Board over the past twelve months has been spent working on the recommendations of the C.C.M.A. "Review of the Local Government Computer Services Board "report published in September Specifically the LGCSB has assisted the Implementation Group charged with reviewing what should constitute the core and second tier services of the Board. It is expected that the Implementation Group will report by mid The outcome of this review will direct the future role of the Board over the years to come. In 2007 the LGCSB played a major leadership role in a range of ICT initiatives. Following an EU tender process, a contract was awarded in 2007 for the supply, configuration and implementation of a new Human Resources, Payroll and Superannuation integrated system into 27 local authorities. Work is progressing well in configuring the system to match the business processes in local authorities. Implementation of the system in pilot sites will commence in In the area of procurement the Board took primary responsibility for a series of public service wide framework contract agreements. The result of this approach has seen the performance of the standard PC desktop available rise by 14% at a price 12% lower than the previously available model of lower specification. The PC agreement, and others for notebooks and printers, will save the exchequer millions of Euro over their duration and is an approach which merits consideration for other commodity procurements. In late 2007 the LGCSB completed the development of a new web-based application to aid in the distribution of environmental data, primarily drinking, river and bathing water quality data. EDEN Phase 1 focused on taking environmental data from the Local Authorities Laboratory Information Systems into a central repository thereby allowing authorities share data with each other, River Basin Districts and the Environmental Protection Agency. In March 2007 it was decided that a new approach should be adopted to the development of a sectoral Integrated Housing System. It was agreed that the HOME product, in use in 86 of the 90 Housing Authorities, should continue to be used for the medium term, and in this regard a contract for the support of HOME was awarded. Additionally, a new exercise commenced to develop a roadmap for future Housing System developments based on a benefits realisation approach. Following discussions with Heads of Information Systems a new range of technology consultancy services was offered to the sector. The most popular service demanded in 2007 was the security review which provided security advice in the areas of physical, networks, systems and wireless. In May 2007 Bríd Carter stood down from her position as Director. Bríd had served in the position for seven years having previously worked in a variety of public service positions over 23 years. Bríd played a central role in developing and enhancing the services of the Board and had successfully moved the LGCSB to the point where it is recognised by other public service bodies as a key player in public service wide ICT initiatives. We wish her well in her future roles away from the LGCSB. The LGCSB operates successfully because of the commitment and hard work of its employees and must be recognised. The co-operation of the Local Authorities, County and City Managers, Directors of Service and Heads of Information System is much appreciated. The Board also recognises the advice and support of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government and the multiplicity of agencies who work with us on a daily basis. In conclusion particular thanks are also due to the outgoing member and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Hubert Kearns, County Manager, Sligo County Council. Joseph Nugent, Director Tom Dowling, Chairman

6 6 Mission Statement MISSION STATEMENT It is our aim that, through the quality, commitment and continuous development of our staff, the LGCSB will be the partner of choice for Local Authorities in the delivery of quality services through the optimum application of information and communications technologies within the National Information Society Framework.

7 Board Members 7 Board Members 2007/2008 The Local Government Computer Services Board established in 1975 comprises a Chairman and ten ordinary members. Eight members are appointed by the Council of the Board, two members are nominated by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and one member by the Minister for Finance. The term of office for Board members is generally three years. The members of the Board for the year ended 31st December 2007 were: Mr. Tom Dowling (Chairman) Mr. Peter Carey Mr. Owen Keegan County Manager, Meath Co.Co. County Manager, Laois Co. Co. County Manager, Dunlaoire Rathdown Co.Co. Mr. Tom Mackey Mr. Philip Maguire Mr. Joe McGrath City Manager, Limerick City Council Asst. City Manager, Dublin City Council City Manager, Galway City Council Mr. Ray O'Dwyer Mr. John Kelleher Mr. Frank Gallagher County Manager, Waterford Co.Co. Principal Officer, DEHLG Principal Officer, DEHLG Ms. Catherine Curley Asst. Principal Officer, Dept. of Finance

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9 Customer Services 9 Customer Services Customer Account Management The report of the LGCSB review group completed in September 2006 highlighted the importance of account management in the interaction between the LGCSB and its main customers, Local Authorities. To further this aim, the Board of the LGCSB approved the introduction of a formal account management process which would: Facilitate the alignment of LGCSB and local authority operational plans Achieve a greater level of standardisation across all business areas Have a single point of contact for escalation procedures Create and maintain a combined issues list by local authority Ensure a greater level of customer satisfaction During 2007, the Customer Services Section put the formal account management structure in place and commenced the first round of visits to local authorities under this guise. Products & Services Review Following on from the review group report and the subsequent creation of the Core - 2nd Tier Services sub group, the LGCSB carried out an in depth survey to assess the level of use by its customers of each product/service within the portfolio of the LGCSB. This survey was conducted in June, 2007 and the results were subsequently analysed for use by management of the LGCSB, the Board sub-committee (PESC) with responsibility for project evaluation and the Core - 2nd Tier Services sub group for their deliberations. HIS Group As in previous years, the LGCSB continued to promote and facilitate the local authority Heads of Information Systems Group throughout the year. During 2007 five meetings of the HIS Group as a whole were organised together with numerous smaller meetings with various sub groups. ICT Conference for 2007 The LGCSB organised the 2007 ICT Conference for local authority ICT staff with assistance from the HIS Training sub-group. The conference was run over two days in Mullingar. It gave staff in ICT areas, an invaluable opportunity to network with other local authority ICT staff as well as an opportunity to review products and services on display by some of the invited vendors and ICT companies.. The conference, which was attended by in excess of 100 local authority personnel, had a number of plenary sessions as well as two distinct streams Application Development/GIS Infrastructure/Networking Knowledge Management Centre - KMC This section is primarily responsible for the provision of support, implementations, maintenance and training on a number of LGCSB products including: Register of Electors - ireg Register of Electors system - ereg Register of Electors on line enquiry system

10 10 Customer Services Payroll - Software Support - End of tax year processing consultation - Organisation of workshops including presentations from the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family affairs Generic Intranet - Expenses - Leave Geographical Information Systems - gplan - PlanIGIS - MapUploader - General GIS support The provision of a timely, courteous high level of support to our customers continued to be the top priority of the staff of the KMC, throughout 2007.

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13 Business & Finance 13 Business & Finance Procurement The procurement team consists of two staff and offers advice and assistance to the LGCSB, local authorities and other public bodies on procurement matters including national and EU tendering procedures and contract management. The team's work in 2007 was geared almost exclusively towards the national ICT frameworks for which the LGCSB was appointed Contract Manager in Two agreements were in place for the whole year - PCs and Notebooks. Between these two agreements, there was a potential customer base of 5,500 public bodies (including government departments, local authorities, state agencies, schools and the HSE and its affiliated bodies) and eight vendor companies (five of which utilised reseller networks.) The contract management work included promoting the agreements among the customers and helping them to achieve the best results from them, keeping the specifications of standard products up to date, testing the vendors' submissions to make sure that customer confidence in the agreements was maintained and ensuring that competition thrived within the frameworks. The success of the contract management service can be seen in the growth in the number of customers (276 public bodies used the frameworks for the first time during 2007), in the value of contracts concluded under it ( 23.6 million) and especially in the fact that the performance of the standard products continued to improve over the course of the year while the cost fell steadily. For example, the performance of the standard office PC improved by 14% while the cost fell by 12%. The team also contributed significantly to the EU tenders to establish national frameworks for Monochrome and Colour Laser Printers which began in 2007 and were ongoing at year end and worked with the LGCSB's Corporate Services division to establish the Board's Services Framework and facilitate its use by relevant managers within the organisation. Housing In March 2007 the Integrated Housing Solution (IHS) project was cancelled. Due to this cancellation, the HOME product which had been introduced as an interim housing solution and is in use in 86 of the 90 Housing authorities, became a longer term and more strategic product. A number of initiatives were undertaken in 2007 to reflect the changed status of the HOME product. In September 2007, the support of HOME was transferred from the LGCSB to Fujitsu for the provision of 2nd level support services. To facilitate the smooth continuity of support, an efficient and effective skills transfer procedure was put in place. Since its implementation, HOME users (particularly through the forum of the HOME User Group) had been requesting enhancements to HOME. The majority of these requests had been deferred due to the expected development of the IHS. In September 2007, Fujitsu were commissioned to incorporate the majority of the requested enhancements along with other enhancements required to make the HOME product more robust. It is expected that the enhancement project will be completed in early In order to ensure continuity and progression on the provision of housing solutions for authorities, an exercise commenced to assess the impact of the cancellation of the IHS and to develop a roadmap for future ICT developments within the housing area. A 'Benefits Realisation' approach was utilised in the conduct of this exercise which had the following objectives;- Define the benefits which were originally expected from the IHS project. Assess which benefits would be realised with HOME V2 Identify current and planned initiatives within the DEHLG and local authorities and define a roadmap for the prioritisation and development of solutions for the extension of ICT support for the housing functions of local authorities. This exercise is expected to conclude in early 2008.

14 14 Business & Finance Environment - EDEN In 2006 the LGCSB, at the request of the EPA and Department Of Environment, Heritage and Local Government undertook the development and project management of a new Web Service application to aid in the distribution of environmental data - EDEN. EDEN is a centralised information exchange for environmental monitoring data. It provides the ability to submit environmental data remotely and to exchange this data with all parties authorised for environmental monitoring. Phase 1 is primarily concerned with taking data from the Local Authorities Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and bringing it into a central data repository, thereby allowing Local Authorities to share data between themselves, and or River Basin Districts and the EPA. The primary focus is on data which must be reported for statutory purposes e.g. drinking water quality, river water quality, bathing water quality, etc. Local Authorities who use the LGCSB's LIM system, LabInfo, will be provided with an import/export tool to allow the seamless exchange of data through EDEN. Individual agencies who use a LIMS other than LabInfo will be provide with a data exchange template (DET) to facilitate their interaction with EDEN. Beneficiaries and Contributors to the EDEN system include the EPA, River Basin Districts, Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Local Authorities, Private Labs, Marine Institute, Central Fisheries Board and Health Boards. The development and pilot testing on EDEN Phase 1 was completed in It is anticipated that the system will be implemented nationally on an ongoing basis throughout From 2009 onwards, the statutory returns for water quality data will be via EDEN. Transportation - Online Roadworks Control (OLRWC) This system automates the process for granting licenses to carry out road works. The majority of these licences are granted to utility companies. OLRWC enables local authorities to co-ordinate and schedule road works so as to minimise disruption. It also allows for the efficient management of revenues generated from licence charges. In the second half of 2007 development of additional functionality to the system commenced. One of the main features of this development was to enhance the system to support interaction with a GIS component. The GIS component is expected to be of great benefit (in particular to rural local authorities) as it allows the user to find and select a road and to digitise extents of road works on that road to see what road works are planned. Most of the development work on this was completed by the end of Testing, piloting and implementation of the new version is expected to be completed in Planning Systems & Services The use of ICT to improve planning work-flow processes and procedures leads to efficient and effective delivery of services in accordance with planning legislation. The suite of products currently available includes the following; iplan - the Planning Application Administration system eplan - the Internet Planning Application tracking facility PrePlan - the PrePlanning Consultation register qreg - the Quarry Register Enforcements - monitoring unauthorised developments AIS - Architectural Inventory System and record of Protected Structures During 2007 the e- development of a revised version of our eplan product was completed. This new product enables a member of the public to interrogate the planning files for a number of planning authorities simultaneously, provides a 'graphical' depiction of the progress of the applications from receipt to determination and also improves the accessibility features of the application. A function for the submission of Representations online was also developed.

15 Business & Finance 15 A considerable amount of resources were also expended in the development of the Planning Development Contributions system in conjunction with Mentec, the primary developers of the product. This system allows a local authority to manage the charging and receipt of development levies. Human Resources, Payroll and Superannuation Project In 2007 the LGCSB accepted a tender for the supply, configuration and implementation of a new HR, Payroll and Superannuation integrated system into 27 local authorities. The successful tenderer was Core International which is an Irish based company with its head office in Cork. The company is already a major supplier of payroll and HR systems across the public sector. The new system has the following modules, which will be implemented across the participating local authorities in 2 phases as set out below. Phase 1 Organisation Structure, HR and Departmental Returns Payroll Leave Time & Attendance Superannuation Recruitment Employee Self Service (ESS) and Manager Self Service (MSS) Phase 2 Training Performance Management (PMDS) Health & Safety Industrial Relations Regulatory Compliance, Ethics, Equality, Conduct etc Identification and Security The main effort on the project throughout the year was spent working with local authorities and the supplier on configuring the system to match the business processes in local authorities. Additionally, much time was spent on project planning for the implementation in the 3 pilot sites (Kerry, Meath and Donegal), and the 3 validation sites (Limerick County, Sligo and Westmeath). Financial Management System (FMS) The main focus of attention in the Agresso Financial Management System during 2007 was the development and implementation of a new costing system for the local government sector. The costing model was developed by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with local authorities. New software was written and the Agresso FMS was configured to cater for the new costing requirements. The key benefits of the costing system are: Achieves best value through improved information, benchmarking and continuous improvement Allows for comparison over time both within an organisation and against other similar authorities Assists in informed decision making about the uses of resources Identifies transparent costs of process/services and therefore a clear basis for appropriate charging Allows for the identification of non-value added activities A number of Finance & Business workshops were held during 2007 for key local authority staff working in the financial area. Various topics were presented and current issues discussed and debated. These events allow users of Agresso to network with the software provider Mentec and exchange ideas with their peers in the other local authorities and have proved to be an invaluable forum. In 2007, an e-procurement project to automate Low Value Purchase coding was completed. The application will provide software that will enable local authorities to process LVP transactions in a secure integrated environment. Sites have experienced significant time savings particularly in the administration of the system which has

16 16 Business & Finance been reduced by up to 10% per month. It has provided a more efficient method of coding that has totally eradicated invalid coding. One of the key enablers in the development and implementation of a successful e-business strategy for local authorities is to provide customers with a means of paying for various services over the internet using credit or debit cards was another successful year for the LGCSB product Online e-payments. It was implemented in more than forty sites for over 20 different services from payment of parking fines to golf course green fees. In addition, other public sector organisations are now using the product such as the Passport Office and Courts Service. The value of transactions processed exceeded 10 million. Another extension of the e-payments product is the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solution that allows local authority customers to pay by phone without the need for operator assistance. The IVR manages the customer interface, takes the required validation data as input, validates account information and takes credit/debit card details over the phone. ereturns ereturns is a secure, shared services website set up for the purpose of data sharing, data exchange and the submission of statutory returns. The site provides a centralised data repository for the validation, comparison and reporting of data. The website is used by local authorities, town councils, the Local Government Management Services Board, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other Government departments, the Environmental Protection Agency, River Basin Districts and other third party laboratories and agencies. The site has simplified the process of making data available for the purpose of preparing Service Indicators, Housing Needs Assessment returns, Rental Accommodation Scheme returns and data exchange for the Environmental Data Exchange Network.

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19 Strategic ICT & Research 19 Strategic ICT and Research ICT Consultancy Services The LGCSB Network services team delivers a set of services based around providing essential emergency cover for national networking and communications infrastructure, establishing a centre of excellence in the areas of networking and infrastructure and developing standards and conducting research into best practice. The services delivered to each local authority are aimed at providing the appropriate level of support and service required by the local authority customer. Enhanced services offered by the Board range from a proactive security audit, scheduled server and infrastructure migrations and upgrades to unscheduled emergency mail, server and infrastructure interventions. The most popular service in 2007 was the Security Review which aimed to bring the local authority towards ISO Standards for Infrastructure. It covers physical security, networks, systems and miscellaneous services such as wireless. Hosting The hosting service in LGCSB has been on-going for over four years. In 2007, the LGCSB catered for over 400 websites with associated services such as analytical reporting, backups, security and 24 hour monitoring. The demands on the LGCSB to deliver a quality hosting service have steadily increased over the four years and during 2007 it was identified that the current office building would not be able to accommodate further expansion. Consequently a tender process commenced to acquire new premises for an expanded Data Centre. It is anticipated that the new premises will be fully commissioned by mid Database Support and Services The LGCSB have a Service Level Agreement in place with local authorities to provide ongoing database support and consultancy services. Internal LAN and Organisational Research The Internal IT section spent 2007 in the process of consolidation. The policy of desktop replacement is ongoing. A number of back-office systems were implemented to ensure LAN availability and reliability and reduce the workload in the management of the LGCSB computers. The team primarily focused on Active Directory, processes and security with research in relation to collaboration, communication, online forms and workflow. Strategic Networks The aim of Strategic Networking is to work with the relevant business teams in terms of their network and technical architecture needs, building test architectures and labs. During 2007, development of an integrated approach to inter office communications and research into unified messaging commenced. This team also has responsibility for the ongoing management of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement including licensing and resource planning.

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21 Corporate Services 21 Corporate Services During 2007, the Corporate Services Division continued to provide administrative, legal, HR and financial services to all staff and Board members of LGCSB. Corporate Governance remained a high priority with the Internal Auditor undertaking the audit of several projects during the year including travel and subsistence and web hosting. A Corporate Risk Register was developed and the Sub-Committee on Finance and Internal Audit approved the LGCSB Strategic approach to Risk Management. Work commenced on the development of a Business Continuity Plan for the LGCSB. The Human Resources team commenced the review and development of a HR Strategy framework which underpins the concept of achievement through people. Staff development and training was undertaken through the process of PMDS and the LGCSB encouraged all staff to use the process effectively and cultivate an ethos of life-long learning. Management continued to support family friendly working arrangements together with access to an Employee Assistance Scheme for all staff. In keeping with its policy of positive action to eliminate inequalities, the Board operates an equal opportunities programme. The Partnership Facilitator continued to work with the Partnership Committee progressing the Partnership agenda within the LGCSB and attending meetings of the Eastern Region Facilitators Network. Two queries under Freedom of Information legislation were received. Both were appealed to the Information Commissioner. One was subsequently withdrawn and a decision is awaited on the other. In anticipation of the publication of best practice guidelines on the implementation of energy efficiency policies and practices, the LGCSB commissioned a report from SEI with a view to examining our current use of energy and making proposals to achieve energy savings over the next few years. This report will guide the LGCSB practices in this area in Health & Safety The review of Safety Statements for all Board sites was finalised in early Sufficient authority and resources, both financial and otherwise were made available to the Safety Officer to enable the recommendations identified in the risk assessments, to be implemented. The Safety Officer continued to keep abreast of best practice and statutory requirements in the health and safety area. Disability Act 2005 The LGCSB received an allocation of 40,000 to continue the provision of services and activities contained in the Local Government Outline Sectoral Plan. There was continued upgrading and support of the local authority Accessibility website. There were also a number of adaptations made to the building in particular the provision of new accessible front doors with push pad opening.the Safety Officer also attended a number of information workshops facilitated by the National Disability Authority. Official Languages Act In January 2007 the Local Government Computer Services Board agreed a scheme, under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003, with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The first year of the scheme expired on the 31st January 2007 and significant progress has been made by the Board during the first year of the implementation of the Scheme.

22 22 Corporate Services Financial Review In 2007 the Board operated with an approved budget of 9,924,665. In addition, income of 5,627,265 was received in respect of funded projects, training and other activities. The attached accounts for the year to 31 December 2007 record a surplus of 521,863 which increases the General Reserve Account at the end of 2007 to 2,750,448. Investment in Fixed Assets during the year was 175,801, up from 72,503 in Depreciation in 2007 was 200,740 ( 175,573 in 2006) and term loan repayments for 2007 amounted to 121,878 ( 126,976 in 2006). The Board, as a public body, adheres to the requirements of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 and has ensured that its payment policies and procedures meet the requirements of the Act. No late payments were made in 2007 and the amount of interest paid was nil. The financial position of the Board at the year end is satisfactory.

23 Corporate Services 23 Statement of Board Responsibilities Section 7(12) of the Establishment Order 1975 requires the Board to prepare financial statements in a form approved by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In preparing those statements, the Board undertakes to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Board will continue in operation; Disclose and explain any material departures from applicable accounting standards. The Board is responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Board and which enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with section 7(12) of the Establishment Order The Board is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Board and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Tom Dowling, Chairman Peter Carey, Vice Chairman

24 24 Corporate Services Auditor's Report To the Chairman and Members of the Local Government Computer Services Board I have audited the financial statements on pages Respective Responsibility The Board and management are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. It is my responsibility as auditor to form an independent opinion, based on my audit, on these statements and to report that opinion. Basis of Opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with the principles and practice of local government audit. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made in the preparation of the financial statements and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Board's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. I planned and performed my audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which I considered necessary in order to provide me with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. Opinion In my opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Board's affairs at 31st December 2007 and of its surplus for the year ended on that date. I have obtained all the information and explanations, which I considered necessary for the purposes of the audit. In my opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the Board. Peter F Christian Local Government Auditor Date: 10th September 2008

25 Corporate Services 25 Accounting Policies 1. Depreciation The following rates of depreciation apply: Freehold Premises Fixtures & Fittings Computer and Ancillary Equipment Furniture and Office Equipment Training Equipment 2% Straight Line 10% Straight Line 33% Straight Line 10% Straight Line 20% Straight Line The cost and depreciation of fully depreciated assets have been deducted, as per Fixed Asset Schedule (Note J). These assets have been retained on the Asset Register. 2. Development and Operational Softwares The cost of software acquired for development and for operational software is written off in the year of acquisition. 3. Superannuation Superannuation deductions are credited to income, in accordance with practice in local authorities. Annual pension payments under the scheme are charged to the Income and Expenditure Account as they occur. Lump sum pension payments have been charged to the Special Reserve since Salaries The salaries of the staff of the Board are related to salaries paid to local authority Grades. 5. Charging Policy The Board decides, from time to time, the charging policy in relation to systems development, implementation and maintenance, in accordance with the Establishment Order.

26 26 Corporate Services Financial Accounts Income and Expenditure Account for Year Ending 31 st December 2007 Income Notes Local Authority Contributions (A) 9,526,771 7,902,805 Retained Superannuation Deductions 397, ,873 Other Income (B) 5,627,265 6,917,344 Total Income 15,551,930 15,116,022 Expenditure Salaries, Wages & Pensions 6,586,029 5,701,357 Consultancy & Contract Staff 1,141,598 3,871,095 Personnel Expenses 64,816 55,522 Travel & Subsistence 223, ,220 Training & Education 351, ,509 Computer Costs (C) 4,805,295 3,528,317 Board, Sub-Committees & Working Parties 45,049 63,527 Telephone & Postage 122, ,566 Printing & Stationery 70,443 47,410 Professional Fees 113, ,115 Library & Subscriptions 26,481 42,705 Insurances 31,816 31,496 Bank Interest & Charges 21,485 20,573 Accommodation (D) 655, ,508 Sundry 30,192 42,664 Depreciation 200, ,573 Local Authority Intranet Fund Costs 539,093 - Total Expenditure 15,030,067 15,056,157 Surplus/(Deficit) for Year 521,863 59,865 General Reserve at beginning of year 2,228,585 2,168,720 2,750,448 2,228,585 Tom Dowling, Chairman Joseph Nugent, Director

27 Corporate Services 27 Financial Accounts Income and Expenditure Appropriation Account for the Year Ending 31 st December 2007 Income General Reserve Balance as at 1 st January ,228,585 2,168,720 Surplus (Deficit) for Year 521,863 59,865 Balance as at 31 st December ,750,448 2,228,585 Special Reserve Balance as at 1 st January ,379,788 1,252,462 Sinking Fund Contributions from Local Authorities 234, ,390 Deposit Interest 42,129 37,718 Retirement Payments (202,006) (144,782) Balance as at 31 st December ,454,301 1,379,788

28 28 Corporate Services Financial Accounts Balance Sheet as at 31 st December 2007 Notes Fixed Assets (J) 2,635,183 2,660,126 Current Assets: Cash & Bank 4,172,278 2,253,673 Debtors & Prepayments (E) 1,773,107 1,112,048 Investment Account 1,454,620 1,341,043 7,400,005 4,706,764 Current Liabilities: Creditors & Accruals (G) 5,471,244 3,277,441 Term Loan (F) 126, ,974 5,598,218 3,404,415 Net Current Assets 1,801,787 1,302,349 Long Term Liabilities Term Loan - over 12 months (F) 232, ,102 Net Assets 4,204,749 3,608,373 Financed by: Reserves General Reserve 2,750,448 2,228,585 Special Reserve 1,454,301 1,379,788 4,204,749 3,608,373 Tom Dowling, Chairman Joseph Nugent, Director

29 Corporate Services 29 Financial Accounts Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ending 31 st December Net Cash Inflow (Outflow) from Operating Activities Surplus for Year on General Reserve 521,863 59,865 Surplus for Year on Special Reserve 74, ,327 Depreciation 200, ,573 (Increase) Decrease in Debtors (661,059) 1,528,175 Increase (Decrease) in Creditors 2,193, ,404 2,329,860 2,403,344 Investing Activities Payments to acquire Tangible Fixed Assets (175,801) (72,503) Receipts from sale of Tangible Fixed Assets - - Term Loan Repayments (121,876) (126,976) (297,677) (199,479) Total Cash Inflow / (Outflow) 2,032,183 2,203,865 Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at Bank & in hand 1,918,605 2,115,604 Short Term Investments 113,578 88,261 2,032,183 2,203,865

30 30 Corporate Services Financial Accounts Notes to the Accounts (A) Local Authority General Charges In accordance with the Revised Charging Policy, the Basic, Engineering and Levy Charges were combined in 2004 to one single General Charge to Local Authorities General Charges 9,526,771 7,902,805 (B) Other Income Project Income EDEN 168,742 - Openhouse ,829 Engineering Projects 493, ,749 Government Data Centre 843, ,216 LA Services ,200 HR, Payroll & Superannuation 282,128 38,321 EU Projects 26,742 - eprocurement 3, ,000 epayments 373, ,582 I-Planning ,760 I-Register ,500 Integrated Housing 1,312,589 1,764,978 Document Management System ,000 Mobhaile 88, ,759 SLA FMS 130, ,500 Contact Management System ,000 Financial Management System (FMS) 1,252,972 1,652,268 National & EU Tendering Service 51,314 82,774 GIS Technical Services 34,928 - Generic Intranet ,000 Recharged Expenditure 83, ,808 Conferences ,200 Other Income 357, ,143 Deposit Interest Accessibility Grant 30,000 - Chemdata 51,381 52,337 Training Income 42,569 38,119 5,627,265 6,917,344

31 Corporate Services 31 (C) Computer Costs Computer Hardware 310, ,854 Computer Software, Licences & Support 3,078,109 2,826,213 On Line Processing Costs 338, ,133 Computer Supplies 124,598 95,228 Modems & Leased Lines 5,181 13,123 Outsourced Technical Support 294,656 - Contracted Software Development 653,684 29,767 4,805,295 3,528,317 (D) Accommodation Costs Rent & Rates 127, ,838 Light & Heat 168, ,154 Services 360, , , ,508 (E) Debtors & Prepayments Debtors 1,073, ,112 Prepayments & Accrued Income 699, ,936 1,773,107 1,112,048 (F) Bank Term Loan There is a term loan facility for the purpose of funding the acquisition and refurbishment of Phoenix House. The amount outstanding at 31st December 2007 was 359,198. The term loan is secured by deposit of the title deed to Phoenix House with AIB Bank plc. (G) Creditors and Accruals Creditors - Trade 752, ,333 Accruals and Prepaid Income 4,718,277 2,831,108 5,471,244 3,277,441 (H) Leased Assets Leases in respect of computer and office equipment are treated as operating leases. Commitments under these leases are as follows: (G) Creditors and Accruals Leases expiring in two to five years 25,686 25,686 (I) Sinking Fund - Contributions from Local Authorities The Special Reserve Account is represented by the Sinking Fund and lump sum pension payments to retiring staff are charged to this Account. The amount provided by local authorities for this purpose in 2007 was 234,390

32 32 Corporate Services (J)Fixed Asset Schedule Cost Accumulated Cost as at 01/01/2007 Premises 3,186,625 Fixtures & Fittings 318,935 Computer Equipment 656,499 Office Equipment & Furniture 165,430 Training Equipment 15,949 Total 4,343,438 Cost of Depreciated assets 19, ,268 5, ,486 Additions 150,468 19,579 5, ,801 Accumulated Cost as at 31/12/2007 3,186, , , ,009 15,724 4,021,753 Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation as at 01/01/ , , ,039 81,982 14,851 1,683,316 Fully Depreciated assets 19, ,268 5, ,486 Charge for year 63,733 31,894 86,668 16,577 1, ,740 Accumulated Depreciation as at 31/12/ , , ,439 98,559 10,740 1,386,570 Net Book Value as at 31/12/2007 2,340,795 75, ,260 86,450 4,984 2,635,183 31/12/2006 2,404, ,589 63,461 83,449 1,098 2,660,126

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35 Appendices 35 Appendix 1 Functions of the Board An Bord Seirbhísí Riomhaire Rialtais Áitiúil, The Local Government Computer Services Board, was established by the Minister for Local Government in September 1975 by an order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act, The functions of the Board are: (a) to organise, administer and provide or arrange for the supply of computer facilities (including facilities relating to the preparation of data for input to a computer, computer programming, systems analysis and design, and the operation of data processing facilities) for local authorities; (b) to co-ordinate and secure compatibility in the use of computers by local authorities generally, with a view to securing the most effective use of available resources; (c) in matters related to its functions under paragraphs (a) and (b) to: (i) provide or arrange for the provision of training and education (ii) carry out, promote or assist in the carrying out of research, and (iii) furnish advice, information and assistance to the Minister and to local authorities. (d) to host websites on behalf of those bodies specified in the Schedule to the Local Government Computer Services Board (Establishment) (Amendment) Order 2004, where such hosting will be at least selffinancing and will not result in any reduction in the effectiveness of the Board in carrying out its duties under sub-article (a), (b) and (c) of this article; (e) to sell software products which were developed for local authorities under sub-articles (a), (b) and (c) of this article ; (f) to provide, following written consent from the Minister, consultancy services in respect of one product developed or employed by the Board under sub-articles (a), (b) and (c) of this article where such provision is subject to the following conditions; (i) in seeking the consent of the Minister under this sub-article, the Board shall submit to the Minister a financial statement and implementation plan for the proposed consultancy services setting out, inter alia, the rationale for the proposal, details of how the proposal will be implemented and projections of income and expenditure for the proposal, the provision of consultancy services will be at least selffinancing and will not result in any reduction in the effectiveness of the Board in carrying out its duties under sub-article (a), (b) and (c) of this article, and (ii) the Board shall comply with such conditions as the Minister may specify