The name that is given to the use of electronic means to deliver better government is E-government. It is important to note that E-government can never be a goal in itself; it is a way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the government and its communications. In this paper, we compare the developments and integration of services regarding E-government in Ireland and The Netherlands. We looked at problems that were encountered by both countries, and how they were dealt with. Based on these findings, we formulated an advice on how to make further improvements to E-Government facilities in the near future for both countries. Our research showed us several interesting things. What we saw was that developments and growth in E-Government Services and registered E-Government users in Ireland fall behind compared to the same kind of developments and growth going on in The Netherlands. There is not one cause that we can name for this outcome, but several reasons became clear during our research. The low internet penetration in Ireland could be one cause, only 52% of the population has an internet connection. Other reasons are that Irish people have always been suspicious regarding their government and the lack of a killer application.

1. DEVELOPMENTS IN E-GOVERNMENT A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN IRELAND AND THE NETHERLANDS

7. History of E-Government Yr. Netherlands Ireland 1994 The National Action Programme on Electronic Highways Launch Strategic Management Initiative 1998 The Electronic Government Action Programme 1999 The Dutch Digital Delta Action Plan on implementing the Information Society in Ireland. Information Society Fund 2000 Lisbon Strategy 2000 Better Government for Citizens and Business (2002) Launch Reach 2001 Launch OASIS 2003 eGovernment - More than an automation of Government Services 2004 eCabinet 2005 DigiD Citizens DigiD Companies Live Reachservices

16. Online Sophistication

17. Online Sophistication

19. Comparison between supply and use of online public services for citizens

20. Comparison between supply and use of online public services for citizens

34. VRiSBI International Research Project Innovation and ICT - Comparing Ireland with The Netherlands Please visit http://studiereis2007.vrisbi.nl for the complete paper of this presentation. Other papers and presentations are also available.