Data Sharing Arrangements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2017

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Questions (164)

Barry Cowen

Question:

164. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will release all datasets from his Department in open format as defined under the open data technical framework and re-use of public sector information regulations 2015; if he will release a dataset (details supplied) in an open format as defined in the framework and regulations; if not, the reasons for refusing to do this; and the reason his Department is of the view that this dataset should not be published in open format in the initial instance. [12399/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

My Department is part of the Public Bodies Working Group, PBWG, on Open Data and contributed to the development of an Open Data Strategy, and an Open Data Framework which underpins the publication of datasets on the Government Open Data portal (data.gov.ie.) in line with agreed standards thus facilitating re-use and interoperability. Work is underway between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to evaluate the potential for a harvester to automate the collection of data directly from my Department’s website.

My Department is also carrying out data audits on an ongoing basis with a view to publication where appropriate. To date my Department has made available a total of 220 datasets via the Open Data Portal https://data.gov.ie and the dataset referred to in the question is now available on my Department’s website at http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/construction/rebuilding-ireland-social-housing-construction-status-report and will be made available shortly, in open format, via the Open Data Portal.