Written answer
Data Protection
Ireland is monitoring EU digital sovereignty developments to inform its electronic health record and digital health infrastructure, prioritising security, resilience, interoperability and GDPR compliance.
3327. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if, in light of emerging European Commission proposals relating to technology sovereignty, sovereign cloud infrastructure and strategic digital resilience, her Department has assessed the implications of such initiatives for Ireland's national electronic health record programme and wider digital health infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55808/26]
Comment on this
My Department, working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE), continues to monitor and consider developments at European level relating to digital sovereignty, sovereign cloud infrastructure, strategic digital resilience, artificial intelligence and the governance of health data.
Ireland is actively engaged in a range of European and international forums on digital health, health data and AI, including discussions relating to the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS), the EU AI Act and other initiatives intended to strengthen Europe's digital capabilities, resilience and technological autonomy.
These developments are relevant to the ongoing implementation of Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024–2030, including the National Electronic Health Record (EHR) Programme and wider investment in digital health infrastructure.
In progressing major digital health programmes, consideration is given to a broad range of factors including cybersecurity, data protection, digital resilience, interoperability, governance, patient safety and compliance with Irish and European law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Emerging European policy developments form part of this broader policy and governance context.
Procurement decisions relating to national digital health infrastructure and systems will continue to be made in accordance with public procurement law. The Department will continue to engage with the European Commission, Member States, the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure that Ireland's digital health infrastructure evolves in line with international best practice and emerging European policy.