The publication of procurement-related data in open, machine-readable formats is encouraged in line with Government’s National Open Data Strategy 2023 - 2027 and the EU Open Data Directive 2019/1024, as transposed into Irish law through S.I. No. 376/2021. This framework requires public service bodies to make appropriate public sector data available for reuse, free of charge, in machine-readable formats and, where appropriate, through APIs.
Guidance on the publication of datasets was provided to Government Departments, local authorities and publicly-funded bodies and undertakings via Circular 20/2021. Information on public bodies’ obligations and support for good practice in relation to publishing Open Data is also available on the national Open Data Portal – data.gov.ie.–Responsibility for implementing this guidance, and for ensuring the quality and timeliness of published datasets, rests with individual Departments and public service bodies (PSBs) and undertakings.
My Department provides supports to PSBs to meet their obligations and also central coordination and monitoring including through:
• Supports coordinated by my Department in line with the Open Data Strategy 2023-2027 including training, guidance, communications and engagement opportunities.
• The national Open Data Portal, data.gov.ie, including monitoring the numbers of published datasets and publishers
• Engagement with Open Data Liaison Officers across the public service;
• The Open Data Governance Board, Open Data Liaison Officers, and the Open Data Advisory Group, which support consistency, peer learning and issue resolution.
• Periodic reporting and structured updates to the European Commission in the context of Ireland’s obligations under the Open Data Directive and the EU High-Value Datasets Implementing Regulation.
• Bi-annual completion of the OECD OURdata Index.
Ireland’s strong performance in the EU Open Data Maturity Assessment, where Ireland ranked among the top five countries in Europe in both 2024 and 2025, reflects the effectiveness of our coordinated approach, including the availability of shared platforms, technical supports and advisory services that lower barriers to publication and reuse.
My Department will also shortly issue a letter to all Government Departments, reminding them of their obligations under the Open Data Directive and Freedom of Information Act 2014, and asking them to share this information with all of the offices and agencies under their remit,.
My Department will continue to work with colleagues across the public service to improve the consistency, quality and reuse of procurement-related data, recognising its importance for transparency, accountability, innovation and evidence-informed policy making.
