Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
166. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the steps his Department is taking to improve data collection and database construction in anticipation of the increased data processing capacity that artificial intelligence adoption entails; if he will outline the logic behind their approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18359/25]
View answerICT services for my department are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR).
The OGCIO have confirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are looked at in the context of their wider data governance approach where data is viewed and treated as a strategic asset.
Ireland’s Data Governance Board was established in 2021 (under the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019) to assist the Public Service in positioning Ireland as a leader in the field of data governance. The Board’s exemplary work was highlighted by the OECD’s recognition of Ireland’s progress in the 2023 Digital Government Index which placed Ireland in the Top 3 countries for data driven public service.
The Data Governance Unit in the OOGCIO provides guidance and frameworks to Public Service Bodies (PSBs), for dealing with public data, including strong data governance and standards for underpinning data workflows as well as support on the use of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019. Ireland works to minimise duplication and waste by adopting the Once Only Principle so that individuals and businesses need supply the same information/data only once to PSBs; allowing for the automation and provision of services across the public sector including compliance with GDPR. The adoption of AI will continue to leverage the significant investments made in areas such as data governance, systems and integrated platforms to provide the capability to gather and generate large amounts of data. The OGCIO have advised that they will continue to build on what is working well and introduce further fit-for-purpose complimentary structures/services to increase the collection, use and re-use of data to maximise value for money and improve outcomes through the use of AI.
The OGCIO is currently developing the next Public Service Data Strategy 2025-2030 which will be an ambitious, implementation orientated strategy to address identified obstacles and respond to national and international trends, including AI. I am advised that the strategy will place an emphasis on advancing key initiatives to provide real impact for policy makers so that they can harness data to inform public policy, improve services and monitor public sector performance. The strategy is being delivered as one of several priorities for their department under Pillar 3 of Better Public Services – Evidence-informed policy and services designed for and with our public. The strategy will include actions to ensure a coherent, systemic approach to implementation of EU regulatory requirements including AI. Strong data governance with a focus on data quality, and the ethical use of data are key foundations for successful adoption of AI and this will be a key focus through the development of the next Public Service Data Strategy and its implementation over the coming years.
While each department is responsible for any database development and stewardship specific to the responsibility of the department, there is a duty to safeguard the data that is gathered and shared. Therefore, the OGCIO will continue to place a strong emphasis on their data governance and ethical frameworks when using AI, which will be built on their existing governance arrangements, much of which were brought about through the last Public Service Data Strategy.
