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Departmental Staff Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018

Thursday, 5 July 2018

Questions (292)

Micheál Martin

Question:

292. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the training his Department and agencies under its aegis will receive on GDPR legislation; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/18]

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Written answers

My Department has had a dedicated Data Protection Unit in place since November 2015, which has been promoting Data Protection and GDPR awareness since its inception. This Unit has been actively informing staff of their obligations under GDPR using our internal communications systems, circulating easy-read guides, Frequently Asked Questions and updates via email, a poster campaign and targeted Data Protection talks.

A GDPR project group has been in place since May 2017, led by a Management Board sponsor, and with representation from key stakeholders across the Department. This group meets regularly and has examined the GDPR text with a view to its implementation in my Department. The Legal Services and Information Technology teams are both key partners in the work of this Project Group. A risk-based approach has been adopted and is focusing on those areas within the Department which process a high volume of personal data.

Training for all staff in the area of Data Protection has been ongoing since 2016. My Department’s Learning and Development Unit has provided courses in Data Protection & GDPR in 2016, 2017 and in 2018 to date. Further Data Protection training will be provided throughout 2018. An online Data Protection package for staff is currently being deployed.

In addition, and as part of my department’s obligations under GDPR, a dedicated Data Protection Officer (DPO) has also been appointed. This officer is an active member of an inter-departmental working group in the area of GPDR. Central training for DPO’s is under consideration and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (as the Contracting Authority) has issued a request for tenders in relation to the award of a contract for the provision of service to deliver training for Data Protection Officers within the civil service and bodies across the public sector. I understand that this procurement process will be completed shortly.

My Department has been certified for the ISO 27001/2013 Information Security standard since 2016 for all areas involved in EU scheme payments.

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