Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 May 2014
209. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the main issues that were discussed at the recent Paris conference entitled From Open Data to Open Government; if there are recommendations arising from the conference; the way the theme of the conference will contribute to the Government policy here for transparent, open Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20324/14]
View answerI attended the Paris Conference, from "Open Data to Open Government", hosted last month by Ms Marylise Lebranchu, Minister of Decentralisation, State Reform and Civil Service in France. I addressed the opening plenary session at this conference alongside Minister Lebranchu, Didier Migaud, President of France's 'Cour des comptes' and Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office in the United Kingdom.
The conference offered an excellent opportunity to discuss issues and ideas ranging from open democracy and open data, accessibility of data, the development of the open data ecosystem and the link between open data and innovation, with many practical and concrete examples being shared amongst participants and speakers from a wide range of countries. The event was of significant relevance to my Department's work on the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which Ireland intends to achieve full membership of later this year. Indeed, open data is core to Ireland's draft OGP Action Plan and to open government objectives in Ireland overall. I believe that through open data and technology, we can empower citizens, bring them closer and allow them to participate more closely in decision-making. Accessible data can promote greater citizen participation, increase transparency and accountability and enable new and innovative business opportunities, services and products. I am strongly in favour of making information available and easily accessible online with a view to it being used by businesses and citizens alike.
At the conference, Minister Lebranchu announced that France will sign up to the OGP and I very much welcome this announcement. Participants came away from the conference with many concrete examples of open data being used on a day-to-day basis and with much food for thought. I believe that this sharing of ideas will contribute to a greater understanding of the benefits of open data in both contributing to, and increasing openness and transparency in Ireland, and I look forward to hearing more discussion and debate on the benefits of open data at the OGP Europe Regional Meeting that I am hosting in Dublin Castle on 8 and 9 May.
