CSO system went 80% over budget

A DATA management system for the Central Statistics Office took 50% longer than anticipated to install and cost 80% more than the intended budget.

The system, part of an IT overhaul at the CSO, was meant to cost a total of €10.14m, including a payment of €5.96m to Cognizant Technology Solutions, which was to complete its part of the job in 30 months.

The system was to be up and running by May 2006 and Cognizant was to continue providing support and maintenance for a further year after that.