Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
441. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the process of appointing two further commissioners to the Data Protection Commission; the date upon which they will be in position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32748/23]
View answerThe 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. My Department’s role is to ensure that the Data Protection Commission, which is independent in its functions, continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.
In line with this commitment, on 27 July 2022, Minister McEntee announced that the Government had approved commencement of the process to appoint two additional Commissioners to support the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Data Protection Commission.
The appointments referred to are to be made in accordance with Section 15 of the Data Protection Act 2018, which provides for up to three Commissioners to be appointed. Section 15 (5) of the Act specifies that the Public Appointments Service shall recommend a person for appointment as Commissioner following an open selection competition held by the Service for that purpose.
The terms and conditions of the appointments have recently been agreed by the Minister for Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform. The preparatory work for the selection competition is well advanced with the positions to be advertised in due course.
