Fourth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan Published
The fourth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2023-2025 has been published. The Open Government Partnership is based on the principle that an open government is more accessible, more responsive, and more accountable to its citizens, which is essential for democracy.
The Open Government Partnership is a global initiative launched in 2011. More than 70 countries and over 100 local governments are members of the Open Government Partnership working alongside thousands of civil society organisations. Ireland became a member in July 2014, and has published three previous National Action Plans to strengthen open government.
Since joining the Open Government Partnership Initiative in 2014, Ireland has made major achievements including the creation of Open Data, legislation to regulate lobbying, protect whistle-blowers and reform of the Freedom of Information regime.
The fourth National Action Plan was co-created with representatives from civil society. A Round Table group was established with membership from civil society and Government departments. They worked together, drawing on submissions from the public and the wider community and voluntary sector, to create a series of commitments that form the fourth National Action Plan. The commitments promote transparency, accountability, participation and openness.
Commenting on the publication of the fourth National Action Plan, he Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe said:
"As a government we have made a commitment to continue and reinvigorate participation in this important partnership. This work is more important than ever in the context of threats to democracy such as misinformation and disinformation, global instability and threats to social cohesion. Improving the relationship between people and their Government has long-term benefits for everyone.
"I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the development of this Action Plan. These include the Open Government Partnership Round Table, the Secretariat, civil servants, and the many individuals, communities and civil society organisations who have given their valuable insights to make this an Action Plan that reflects the issues at the heart of Open Government in Ireland."
Antóin Ó Lachtnáin, Co-Chair Civil Society said:
We see this plan as a further step on the path to making government more transparent, accountable and responsive. We welcome the government’s commitment to finding ways to more fully engage citizens about the decisions which affect them.
The National Action Plan will be delivered through the leadership and collaboration of the five government departments who participate in the Round Table.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to continue and reinvigorate participation by the public sector in the Open Government Partnership.
A multi-stakeholder forum, the Open Government Round Table, has been established to promote the active engagement of citizens and civil society.
The current members of the Round Table are from the following organisations:
Government Departments: Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Justice, Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Civil society organisations: The Wheel, Digital Rights Ireland, Think-Tank for Action on Social Change (TASC), Change Agency, Innovative Communities, Irish Rural Link.