To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will consider introducing a National Data Sharing Strategy.

I recognise the importance of effective and responsible data sharing in improving public services, supporting evidence-based policy making and delivering better outcomes for citizens.

My Department is already taking forward a programme of work to strengthen data sharing across the public sector. The Administrative Data Research (ADR NI) partnership between NISRA, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University recently received renewed ESRC investment for the period 2026 to 2031 to drive acquisition, linking and analysis of administrative datasets and develop cutting-edge research to improve knowledge, policymaking and public service delivery. Additionally, the recent establishment of the NISRA Data Office, supported through the Executive's Transformation Fund, seeks to improve data linkage, interoperability, governance and data capability across departments and public bodies.

As this work develops, I will continue to consider how best to support improved and responsible data sharing across government, while maintaining public trust and ensuring that data is managed securely and lawfully.