merrion street

The Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy T.D. has today (Wednesday 10th September) welcomed the appointment by the Government of Ms Helen Dixon as the Data Protection Commissioner.

Ms Dixon takes over from Mr. Billy Hawkes, who held the position from 2005 until his retirement this month.

Speaking on the announcement of the appointment, Minister Murphy said, “the role of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as an independent body which has responsibility for safeguarding data in Ireland is of critical importance. As we move at an increasingly faster pace into the digital age, it is fundamental that we ensure that our data, which is becoming an increasingly valuable asset, is afforded the optimum level of protection. This is a function which the Data Protection Commissioner has performed since the role was established in 1988 and will become even more significant in the years ahead.

I would like to sincerely congratulate Ms Dixon on her appointment and I wish her every success in her important new role.”