Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Finance his procurement policy regarding cloud computing services; the effect the recent communication from the national public procurement operations unit to the wider public service on the issue of cloud computing had on public procurement policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12465/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The procurement policy of my Department regarding cloud computing is the same as that regarding any other area, namely that it facilitates open competition, best value for money and best technological fit to requirements while complying with all relevant national and EU legislation. I am aware that the National Public Procurement Operations Unit (NPPOU) recently issued a message to members of the eProcurement Network (public sector buyers on eTenders) stating that where the use of cloud computer systems are being considered, that it is essential to obtain prior legal advice due to the potential risk of liability to the State.

The NPPOU considers this to be prudent advice to any prospective buyer of any IT solution. However, I am aware that the advice may have been interpreted by some as instructing public bodies not to procure cloud computing solutions. That is not the case. My Department is actively examining cloud computing technologies to determine the most appropriate approaches for the public service, taking into consideration the usual requirements with respect to costs, security and data protection.