PS Slams MIRRI for Non-transparent and Useless Purchase of IT Systems

Bratislava, 3 October (TASR) - The opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party calls on the Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI) and Vice-premier for the Recovery Plan Peter Kmec (Voice-SD) to halt the procurement of the state's IT systems worth €80 million, said PS MP Jan Hargas at a press conference on Friday. According to him, the process is non-transparent and the price is being gradually increased. Also, the state is procuring systems it does not even need. "Only recently, the informatisation ministry launched more than ten public tenders for IT systems, which are essentially intended to replace the state's central portal Slovensko.sk," said Hargas, adding that the cost has increased sharply from €60 million to €80 million, in a time when consolidation of public finances is in progress. Hargas also warned about non-transparent approach to the contract which will affect the functioning of the state. He added there was no expert discussion or evaluation taking place in expert groups or forums which have been set up for this purpose. IT systems are procured by MIRRI through the dynamic purchasing system which is typically used for commonly available goods such as office supplies or furniture. Also, the state is purchasing the systems that it already operates, such as remote signing, which will allow people to sign electronic submissions using their mobile phones. The systems are to be financed from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, however, it is not yet certain whether the European Commission will agree, according to Hargas. Even if this plan works, operating these systems will require several million euros annually. He noted that PS intends to submit a motion to the Public Procurement Authority and the Supreme Audit Office to verify the cost-effectiveness of the entire process and the method by which these systems are being procured. jrg/mcs