Mr. Barry Lowry:

In OGCIO, we deploy the data governance oversight unit. Any IT project with a value of over €1 million comes to us for approval. If it is over €5 million, we arrange a peer-review process. That involves bringing in external people with experience of public service to mentor the project through certain stages of its life. That enables us in OGCIO to learn what is happening out there. We do not keep a formal register but we have a good understanding of what is happening in various places. We might be approached, for example, by a small public service body with a specific requirement. We will know where that is used successfully in another public service body and can set up a network.

Another thing we organise is a network of all the IT leaders across the public service. We get expert speakers to speak to them and engage them in conversation. Sometimes they come from the private sector but very often they come from within the government system. It is to try to share knowledge and experiences for the better.