Ministers Chambers and Higgins welcome Cloud Computing and the Procurement of Cloud Computing Guidance Notes

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers TD, and Minister of State for with responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins TD, have welcomed the publication of updated guidance in relation to cloud computing from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).

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.

The updated cloud computing advice note from OGCIO aims to help public service organisations to adopt cloud technologies and builds on previously published advice while recognising recent developments in technology, policy and the legislative environment. The focus of the OGP guidance is on the procurement of cloud computing services and replaces previously issued guidance on this. The OGP guidance note includes a useful, easy-reference toolkit to assist public service bodies when preparing tender documentation for cloud services, in particular the contractual and commercial provisions.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said:

“I welcome publication of this guidance and advice. My Department is committed to improving and digitalising public services. The use of modern technologies such as cloud and artificial intelligence is a key enabler in delivering on these commitments. The notes provide helpful guidance to support public sector bodies as we continue to work together to drive digital transformation of public services on behalf of the people of Ireland”

Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins also welcomed the note and said:

“This guidance will help public bodies to procure and implement cloud services, driving digital transformation and providing better public services for all. They support good governance and capacity building in the public service, and allow an agile approach to the adoption and procurement of cloud services”

Barry Lowry, Government Chief Information Officer said:

“The Programme for Government reinforces the role of this Department in driving digitally enabled transformation of public services for the benefit of citizens and wider society. These cloud computing notes will help the public sector bodies to embrace the opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies”.

Cloud services are varied and complex, and these notes are part of a suite of support for public bodies including the recently published Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service

The OGP and OGCIO are divisions of the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform and the guidance notes are available on the Department’s website here: Cloud Computing Resources.