Press Release: Ireland Brings European Health Leaders Together to Advance the European Health Data Space
“Data in Motion: Connecting Care, Enabling Innovation and the European Health Data Space”
As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a flagship conference on the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) will be held at Croke Park on 13 October. The conference will convene policymakers, healthcare leaders, patients, researchers, industry representatives, and European institutions to discuss the implementation of the EHDS and explore how health data can be used to improve patient care, support innovation and strengthen health systems across Europe.
The conference will provide a platform for sharing experiences, examining key policy and operational considerations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to support the successful delivery of a secure, interoperable, and patient-centred European health data ecosystem.
Ireland has been actively involved in European digital health cooperation for many years and continues to work closely with Member States and European institutions to support the delivery of secure, interoperable and patient-centred digital health services. As President of the Council of the European Union, Ireland is pleased to facilitate dialogue and knowledge sharing on one of the most significant health and digital policy initiatives currently underway in Europe. The event will open with remarks from Derek Tierney, Secretary General of the Department of Health.
The programme will explore key aspects of implementing the EHDS, covering both primary and secondary use of health data. Morning sessions will focus on implementation, including the approach being taken to the establishment of Digital Health Authorities and Health Data Access Bodies, lessons learned from Member States, and the role of data quality and interoperability in supporting the secure and effective use of health data. In the afternoon, discussions will focus on the real-world impacts of the EHDS for patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators and industry, alongside consideration of the governance structures and collaborative arrangements needed to support successful implementation at both national and European levels.
The conference will conclude with reflections from Fulvia Raffaelli, Head of the Digital Health Unit, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) on moving “From Regulation to Implementation”.
Speaking ahead of the event, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said:
“Individuals increasingly expect health information to be available when and where it is needed, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and trust. The European Health Data Space has the potential to transform how health data supports patient care, research and innovation across Europe.
“During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are pleased to bring together European partners to share experiences, tackle implementation challenges and help realise the benefits of the EHDS for patients, healthcare professionals and society.”
Participants will include representatives from the European Commission, WHO, OECD, national authorities, patient organisations, healthcare providers, academia and industry from across Europe.