A new global report into transparency in government has ranked Ireland in 31st position out of 86 countries.

The study, by the World Wide Web Foundation, assessed how easy state information was available to the public to access.

The report categorised Ireland as a country that faces challenges to "mainstreaming open data across government and institutionalising it as a sustainable practice".

It also found that such countries have a variety of strengths and have great potential to develop innovative approaches to open data.

Overall the study found that core data on how governments are spending taxpayers money and how public service are performing remains inaccessible or pay-walled in most countries.

It says information critical to fight corruption and promote fair competition is even harder to get.

The UK topped the table with the US and Sweden coming in second and third place.