Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
93. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider requiring data sensitivity training for companies which breach data protection laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19454/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is the Data Protection Commissioner acts independently in the performance of her tasks and exercise of her powers under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. As the Deputy may be aware, the new General Data Protection Regulation will enter into force in May 2018 and the Commissioner will continue to act in a completely independent manner under the new legislative regime which introduces a broad range of investigative, corrective and advisory powers which will enable the Commissioner to monitor application of its provisions and ensure effective implementation of its obligations on companies and other data controllers and processors. While I understand the Commissioner is availing of invitations to speak at a range of events, conferences etc., with a view to raising awareness of the obligations, it will be a matter for companies themselves, as the data controller or data processor concerned, to comply with the law and consider their own requirements, including any training necessary.
