Ever wondered how apprenticeships can be a game-changer for tech talent in the public sector? In this episode of Transform Gov, we spotlight the FIT program, which has trained nearly 1,000 apprentices in software development, cybersecurity, networking, and more.  With 70% of tech roles suited to intermediate skills, apprenticeships offer a smart, cost-effective solution, keeping top talent focused on high-priority work while developing new tech professionals. The best part? 85% of apprentices...

We're excited to introduce HSE innovation champion Anna Marie Kiernan, whose dedication to finding effective solutions for chronic pain patients has led to a groundbreaking outcome. With a relentless drive to improve quality of life, Anna Marie’s work has brought virtual reality into the pain management toolkit, transforming how patients experience relief and resilience. Joining her is Niall O'Driscoll, Joint CEO of ShineVR, the company behind this innovative VR solution. Together, they’re...

Enjoy a transformation masterclass with Kathrin Chambers, Digital Marketing Manager at Fáilte Ireland (tourism board), to explore their successful digital transformation journey along with the story of their award-winning 'Keep Discovering Car-Free' campaign which earned them the Ireland eGovernment Marketing Award. Kathrin shares valuable insights into how they shifted their focus from brands to visitors first and defined clear goals for what success looked like. Discover how Fáilte Ireland...

In Part 2 of this eye-opening interview with Fingal County Council’s Aisling Hyland, we discover the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) in Fingal Libraries that landed them the top spot in the Education category of the Ireland eGovernment Awards!  Find out how citizens of all ages—from 13 to 89—are embracing VR for experiences as diverse as virtual mountain biking, creating spray art in New York, and exploring Anne Frank’s hideaway. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,...

In this exciting episode of Transform Gov, we speak with Aisling Hyland, Digital Programme Officer at Fingal County Council who were the Overall Winners of the 2024 Ireland eGovernment Awards!  Aisling shares how cutting-edge technology like VR, 3D, and web views transformed how citizens engage with large public realm developments, including the revitalisation of Balbriggan's beach and main street. With the help of RealSim’s gaming technology, they built a digital twin of the area, allowing...

In this episode of Transform Gov, we explore the innovative FIT apprenticeship program, a fast-track initiative designed to propel individuals with the right aptitude and attitude into successful careers in tech—no need for top CAO points. We had the privilege of speaking with two current apprentices and a mentor, who shared their inspiring journey. They explained how they applied to the program, managed by FIT for the Irish public sector (applications available on www.publicjobs.ie), and the...

Is Ireland a weak link in Europe’s cyber security chain? In this insightful, jargon-free interview, Patricia Shields talks about the realities of cyber threats, from phishing to ransomware, and explores the increasing efforts to bolster Ireland's cyber security infrastructure. Learn how organisations can prepare, the role of the EU in shaping our response, and the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act’s impact. Tune in to hear about state-backed attacks, threat modelling, digital twins, and more....

In the latest episode of Transform Gov, we discover the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on Public Sector roles and services with Prof. Vinny Wade, Snr. Lecturer Computer Science, Trinity College Dublin. Highlights: Early Adopters & Shifts: From tech giants to public sector departments like marketing, customer service, and software development, GenAI is revolutionizing the way we work. While it won’t take your job, someone using it might!Changing Workforce: GenAI is...

In the latest episode of Transform Gov, we enjoy a fascinating chat about the transformative power of AI in the public sector with Prof. Vinny Wade from Trinity College Dublin. In part 1 we explore the evolution of neural networks to the incredible speed of modern processors, we explore why AI is making waves - why now? Discover how AI is reshaping everything from customer support to personalised learning in government, and hear real-world examples of AI in action—both the triumphs and the...

In part two of Transform Gov 's interview with Barry Lowry, Ireland’s CIO we hear about what is coming down the track and why Ireland continues to be ahead of the curve when it comes to digitising access to public services. Barry shares insights on the sizable projects overseen by digital government and emphasises the importance of leveraging existing technologies within the public sector rather than redeveloping functions from scratch. Barry discusses the unique position of the Irish...

In this episode of Transform Gov: The Digital Government Podcast, Maeve Kneafsey sits down with Barry Lowry, Ireland's Chief Information Officer, for the first of a two-part interview series. Barry shares his experiences and insights from his pivotal role in transforming Ireland's digital landscape. He discusses the evolution of digital governance, highlighting key initiatives such as the my.gov portal and the rollout of digital COVID certificates that have set Ireland ahead in digital...

Welcome to Transform Gov - the podcast where we explore the cutting-edge of digital government! In Episode 7 we’re thrilled to feature Louise Jevens, CIO of the Department of Justice in Ireland. We hear how Louise Jevens and her team used technology to avert a post-Brexit crisis. When Louise's Secretary General directed her to do whatever was needed to avoid queues at Dublin Port she rose to the challenge and technology came to the rescue. From digitising the public sector recruitment...

🌟 Transform Gov Podcast: Louise Jevens - A Tech Trailblazer in Ireland’s Public Sector 🌟 Louise Jevens joined the civil service straight out of school, thinking she’d just “see if she liked it.” Thirty years later, she's a celebrated tech leader in the Irish public sector, making impactful contributions through digital transformation. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: - Prime Minister FOMO: The press office incident when the Irish Taoiseach's Blackberry caused FOMO with the UK Prime Minister Tony...

The HSE continues to face ongoing challenges in protecting patient information. The latest incident in June 2024 was the result of an internal IT glitch that compromised the vaccination details of over one million people. In part 2 of Transform Gov’s interview with Maria McCann, former Director of Data and Informatics at the HSE we discuss, amongst other topics, the ongoing data security issues faced by the HSE, Maria underscores the inevitability of cyber threats and the critical role of the...

Transforming Healthcare; Organisational Psychologist and former HSE Director of Data and Informatics, Maria McCann played a pivotal role in revolutionising digital health at the HSE. Which included her time working with Richard Corbridge, CIO of HSE, the COVID response team and Ukrainian crisis.    Episode Highlights: ·     Patient-Centered Transformation - How Maria and her team focused on integrating IT solutions seamlessly into the workflows of both patients and clinicians, ensuring...

On this episode of our digital transformation podcast we meet Dr. Sandra Collins, a trailblazer in the public sector's digital landscape, who is also a three-time winner of the Ireland eGovernment Awards. She has been instrumental in bringing transformative projects out of the basement (literally) and into the limelight.    🎙️ Episode Highlights: - Discover how entering prestigious awards can remind you of the significance of your transformation efforts. - Explore how everything we create...

Part II of a fascinating interview with former CAO of An Garda Síochána, Joseph Nugent. Joe tells us about his time working with Andrew O’Sullivan CIO, An Garda Síochána, and Commissioner Harris to empower An Garda using technology to save lives.   ·      How digital transformation empowers all, not just the techies. ·      The importance of vendor selection, highlighting a small Bray, Ireland SME's success in designing Ireland’s digital passport. ·      Why personal involvement and cultural...

One of the public sectors 'master transformers', Joseph Nugent, known to most anyone across public sector digital transformation. Joe shares his experiences of internal resistance, handling it, challenges of eliminating mile long passport queues into a five minute online application, so your passport arrives in hours instead of weeks. He talks about hiring 'writers' to ensure documents and websites were written in plain English to explain public sector services and your rights to the paying...