Sharing Social Research Data in Ireland A Practical Toolkit - Dr Bríd McGrath and Robin Hanan • 2016

In the case of each category or group of files, researchers should consider: • What is the potential value of the data gathered during the research to future researchers and/or policy makers? How can this be enhanced? • Is it possible to anonymise the data sufficiently to protect the privacy of participants while retaining its utility? • The balance between the value of making this material availa. [...] This is essential to protecting their privacy and rights and also facilitates the smooth transfer of data to the archives at the end of the project. [...] When planning the project, you should include explicit consent to archive the data in: • The consent forms; • The information sheets for participants; • The ethical approval for the project. [...] The archiving, preservation and control of the data collections requires a team: • With a thorough understanding of good practice and ethical issues in digital archiving; • With the appropriate technical and administrative skills; • Which can be relied on to maintain and update the storage media, manage access and provide user support. [...] The information sheet will note the plan to archive data and participants will be invited to consent to this element in the consent form.