Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the safeguards in place for public personal information and data on account of the use of cloud computing resources by the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27691/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has very recently published updated guidance on cloud computing. These notes are developed to support the Public Service with the implementation of cloud services, a key enabler of digital and innovation at scale which underpins the public service transformation agenda. Taken together the notes will help public bodies to maximise the opportunities while mitigating risks involved in the procurement and use of cloud services and contain guidance on a variety of important aspects of cloud procurement and implementation, including pre-market engagement, the importance of data protection and exit management.

Ensuring compliance with data protection and having appropriate safeguards in place remains a matter for each public service organisation as part of their implementation of digital systems, including when using cloud computing resources. The notes by my Department provide appropriate guidance and advice to enable public service bodies make informed and appropriate decisions in this regard.