The 2023-2027 Open Data Strategy was launched by my Department in 2023 and provides the framework for the actions that the Public Service will take on Open Data over the period to ensure best use of data across all public sectors. A key goal is to create easy access to high quality government data, promoting trust and stimulating innovation. For example, there are almost 15,000 datasets from almost 150 publishers hosted on the Open Data Portal which are all freely accessible to the public.
With regard to procurement-related data, the Office of Government Procurement routinely publish, on a quarterly bases, all tender information issued on the eTenders platform dating from 1 January 2013. This dataset contains details on tender notices including estimated values, contract awards including estimated Contract Award Notice (CAN) values, as well as supplier information.
A significant enhancement to this dataset followed the introduction of Circular 05/2023 by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (now the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation). This circular, which replaced Circular 10/2014, introduced strengthened measures designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing public procurement opportunities. One of the key requirement mandates that all contract award details over €25,000 (excluding VAT) must be published on the eTenders website upon contract signing—even if the procurement process was conducted outside the platform.
The dataset is publicly available through both the OGP website and the national Open Data Portal.
With regard to the statutory bodies and agencies funded by Departments, and their approach to 2023-2027 Open Data Strategy and wider guidance on procurement transparency, this is a matter for the relevant Accounting Officers to address.
