When fully commenced, the Data Sharing and Governance Act will provide the legal basis for public bodies to share data. Certain sections of the Act have already been commenced. There is a phased approach to commencement of the remaining sections of the Act.
Phase 1 was implemented on the 7th July 2021 when remaining sections of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 were commenced with the exception of subsections (2), (3) of section 6. The Order (S.I. No. 334 of 2021) allows for the establishment of the Data Governance Board and the introduction of a comprehensive new Data Sharing and Governance Framework for the Public Service. This represents a significant development in the Government’s drive to provide transparency on the efficient use of citizen data to deliver public services.
S.I. No. 137 of 2022 sets a commencement date of 16 December 2022 for commencement of subsections (2) and (3) of section 6.
These sections overlap with the Data Protection Act 2018. This approach to commencement will allow for a smooth transition of public bodies from reliance on the Data Protection Act 2018 to the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019.
Phase 2 will commence sections 6(2) and (3). This commencement will take place when public bodies worked through the new Data Sharing process and have transitioned from section 38 of the Data Protection Act 2018 to the new legislation.
When subsections (2) and (3) of section 6 are commenced, it will prevent section 38 from being relied upon as a legal basis for the disclosure of information by one public body to another public body. Section 38 will remain a valid legal basis for all other forms of processing which fall within its scope.
When the Act and its provisions are fully implemented, there will be considerable benefits for citizens and businesses.
Your data will be shared in a more consistent manner using the new Data Sharing and Governance Framework for the Public Service. There will be full transparency in the way in which your data is being shared. This will allow us to deliver integrated digital services for citizens and businesses.
Public Bodies that want to share citizen data will do so by publishing a formal Data Sharing Agreement online in advance of any sharing takes place. We will consult with the public on individual Data Sharing Agreements between Public Service Bodies before they are executed.
This represents a significant development in the Government’s drive to provide transparency on the efficient use of citizen data to deliver public services.
Full details of the Act and commencement history are available here.
