I propose to take Questions Nos. 1104 and 1105 together.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data Protection Commission is independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I was not invited to attend the Joint Committee on Justice to discuss the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot comment on the issues raised.
The Programme for Government commits to ‘recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland’ and states that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation’.
The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy.
While I have no proposals to amend the primary legislation, my Department continues to monitor the impact of the implementation of GDPR; and the impact of any possible future regulatory changes across Europe as well as any changes within industry. My Department also works closely in conjunction with the Data Protection Commission, to ensure that the Commission continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important statutory obligations. There has been a year-on-year increase in funding for the Data Protection Commission over the last four budgetary years, reflecting the Government’s continued commitment to support it in the ongoing roll-out and delivery of its national and international responsibilities.