Minister McGrath announces establishment of the Data Governance Board

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, is pleased to announce that establishment of the Data Governance Board has been completed. The Data Governance Board, (DGB), was established by the Minister under the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019.

The formation of the DGB is a key milestone in the implementation of the Public Service Data Strategy. The Board will play a pivotal role in delivery of a new framework for data governance across the public service. The Board is independent in the performance of its functions, with support for the work of the Board provided by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Data Governance Board is chaired by the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr. Barry Lowry. There are 12 members of the Board. Board membership is diverse and will provide wide ranging views from across industry, academia, legal, societal representation and technical spheres in addition to the public service.

The initial focus of the Board is on the process of moving public service bodies to the new framework for sharing data under the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019.

Minister McGrath said:

“I am delighted with the diverse experience and expertise of the Board which will help Ireland be an exemplar and European leader in the use of data. The work of the Board will help Government to apply data to develop evidence based policies and be more responsive in the planning and provision of public services. This will ensure that Ireland is well placed to make the most effective possible use of data, whilst upholding privacy, transparency and choice.

"The trends towards digitalisation offers great opportunities to improve people's lives and well-being through the provision of more accessible and timely services. This has been in clear focus during the course of the pandemic. However, we are all increasingly conscious of the importance of protecting the corresponding data which is generated from digital and online activity.

"I am determined that the public are reassured that we are putting in place the necessary safeguards to ensure data is handled in a sensitive and appropriate manner.

"The establishment of the Data Governance Board is a key step in that regard."

Going forward; the Board will look at the longer term requirements for managing data ethically and with integrity taking into account best practices for data sharing and data governance across the public sector. The Board will work to allow the Government to apply data to generate public value, develop evidence based policies and be more responsive in the planning and provision of public services; in the context of EU and global developments.

Notes to Editor

The Board has a clearly defined remit under the Act, to advise the Minister on data sharing and data governance across the public sector.

Advise the Minister in relation to the prescribing of rules, procedures and standards for base registries and accessing of personal data.
Advise the Minister in relation to the preparation of guidelines.
Promote compliance by public bodies with those guidelines issued.
Advise the Minister in relation to the monitoring of compliance by public bodies with rules, procedures and standards prescribed for base registries and access to personal data and any issued guidelines.
Review data sharing agreements and make recommendations if required.
Advise the Minister on the designation and operation of a Base Registry.
Advise the Minister, on request, in relation to the performance of the functions of the Minister under this Act.

Full details on the Terms or Reference and Membership for the Board are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/72309-data-governance-board/

ENDS

Contact:

Claire Godkin - Press Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - pressoffice@per.gov.ie