The establishment and development of an information service in a government ministry : a case study of the Ministry for Home Affairs and Social Development

Abstract

Malta has a vision - known as Vision 2000 - Malta Regional Hub. How is Malta to achieve this vision? For the past eight years the government has been directing its energies to becoming the hub of Information Technology in the Mediterranean. It is however, not only important to develop an information system on a regional basis but also on a national one. The Ministry for Home Affairs and Social Development is responsible for Health, Police and Social Welfare - three pillars of any government policy and to many one that is too vast to administer. It must be understood, however, that these three pillars are interraleted and it is necessary for each and everyone to co-ordinate its policies, how much easier when combined under one roof. A case in point would be the drugs problem. This particular problem is not only a criminal one, but also has social and health aspects, thus the need for a coordinated effort from all concerned. Having an information database in a Ministry does not only help in the day to day running, but also in providing information to the decision makers responsible for planning and implementing policies. The proper training of personnel is important as is the planning and proper running of the system.