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Minister Dara Murphy highlights Ireland’s data protection environment and commitment to the EU during US visit
The Minister for European Affairs, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Dara Murphy T.D., today (Monday) begins a programme of engagements in the United States during which he will highlight developments in Ireland’s data protection environment and its steadfast commitment as an EU member state. The programme will include 15 high-level meetings and events in San Francisco, Seattle and New York, including a series of engagements in support of the work of the State agencies.
During the course of the visit, Minister Murphy will highlight Ireland’s robust data protection regime and preparations for new pan-EU rules coming into force in 2018, as well as moves towards the creation of a Digital Single Market in Europe. Following the UK’s decision to exit the European Union, the Minister will use the opportunity to emphasise Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment location, as an English speaking, common law jurisdiction with direct access to Europe’s single market – unwavering in its commitment to EU membership.
Speaking before departing, Minister Murphy said:
“In our increasingly digital economy and society, having a strong and robust data protection framework that citizens can trust in is central to realising the enormous potential that digital technologies offer to all of us.
“In Ireland we have taken a proactive approach to ensure that our data protection environment is world class. As part of this visit I will be highlighting the significant programme of work that I’ve been leading since 2014 to strengthen our regime further, provide Irish leadership on data issues, and prepare for new EU-wide rules coming in to force in 2018.
“Many international data-driven companies in the financial services, health and technology sectors, among others, have their European headquarters and significant European operations in Ireland. Having a robust data protection regime clearly allows companies to reassure customers that their data is safe with them here in Ireland - that their data privacy is respected and protected – which is good for citizens and good for business.”