The Republic has the potential to become the European technical leader on matters relating to migration and identity management, according to a senior IBM executive.

With 100 million people now estimated to be working outside the country of their birth, globalisation and increased worker mobility, the two related issues are crucial to public sector organisations.

James Cortada, who heads up Big Blue's Institute of Business Value, says that given the Republic is the biggest net importer of overseas workers in Europe, we could benefit significantly by taking a lead.

The institute has just published two related papers on developments in identity management and the impact of migration on social insurance schemes.

Instead of the current system where nations enter into bilateral agreements to provide social services to foreign citizens, the IBM strategists suggest an independent international clearing house be created to streamline and automate administration.

The public sector is interested in proof-of-identity systems so that services can be offered to citizens on a 24/7 basis.

"Just like the banks figured out 10-15 years ago that your credit card has to be spot on, that conversation has moved over to the public sector," he explains.

IBM cites Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which implemented online portals that allow staff to pull information from a variety of identity-related applications and databases to a single screen. Operating costs can be reduced by automating the processes, much as has been done in manufacturing and financial services.

"You need to be cheeky, step it up, play at the next level," says Cortada

Both issues are normally associated in the public mind with a national identity card scheme which is being proposed in the UK and which has been roundly condemned by privacy groups.

"This isn't about privacy, it's about accessibility and function, because the one thing that all the surveys show is that people wish that government could be as efficient and effective as the rest of the world," says Cortada.

"We are now at the point where you can say to a government you actually can develop a national strategy to deal with identity management," says Cortada.

He believes that while individual agencies may be doing good work in the area, an overarching national strategy is needed to co-ordinate their efforts.

"You have to influence that argument rather than be concerned about it, it's not enough any more to be concerned. You can drive it," he added.