Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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466.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public sector bodies can continue to use cloud computing to deliver digital-driven public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31251/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Public cloud continues to be a key and growing platform supporting the delivery of innovative, modern digital public services. Connecting Government 2030, the Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service, reaffirms the commitment to a cloud-first approach, as set out in the 2019 Cloud Advice Note published by my Department. That note advised that new government systems should be developed to exploit the opportunities presented by cloud deployment, where possible, and all existing systems should be reviewed for cloud capability. Systems should move to public cloud or government private cloud environments over time and where appropriate and practicable.

However, in all cases, a move to cloud will be a business decision based on specific considerations made by individual public service organisations as part of a risk based assessment.

Of course, a cloud-first approach does not mean cloud-only. Consequently, organisations should and will take a range of considerations into account such as the risk profile of the data, where it resides, and other such issues. This will determine the appropriate hosting option, which may include public cloud, private cloud, or a hybrid of both as the most appropriate option for particular circumstances. Countries across the EU have public service systems or data that are treated similarly.

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department has begun a further review of the existing guidance on the use of cloud computing and I intend publishing an update later this year.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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467.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps the Office of Government Procurement and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will take to enable more efficient purchase of cloud services by public sector bodies, thereby helping to achieve the Government’s wider objectives of utilising the cloud to improve public service delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31252/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Minister recognises the role that Cloud computing plays in the delivery of public services. In support of this, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) published a comprehensive Cloud Services Procurement Guidance Note which provides procurement and commercial guidance to Public Service Bodies in respect of their procurement of Cloud based solutions. This Guidance Note was well received by both the Cloud industry and Public Service Bodies, and complements the Cloud Computing Advice Note published by the OGCIO in 2020. My Department continues to monitor market and EU developments and has begun a further review of the existing guidance on the use of cloud computing and I intend publishing an update later this year.