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An Taoiseach officially opens Data Protection Commissioner’s new Dublin office and marks Data Protection Day
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D. today (Thursday 26th January 2017) joined Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon and Minister of State Dara Murphy TD, to officially open the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s new Dublin premises at 21 Fitzwilliam Square.
Speaking at the opening, which coincides with Data Protection Day this year, the Taoiseach said:
“This new office is a very tangible demonstration of the importance of data protection and the level of priority that is attached to it by Government. It is a key part of the Government’s ongoing programme of investment in the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and in our data protection infrastructure more broadly.
“The past two and half years have seen a step change in the scale of investment in the Office so that Helen Dixon and her team can build on their excellent record and reputation. This investment is enabling the Commissioner to expand her team so that we have the skills and kind of expertise that are essential in the context of the new European General Data Protection.
“Last year saw the establishment of a dedicated team to work with the major data driven companies that are based here in Ireland – the only team of its type in the EU and a testament to the proactive approach that the Commissioner and her team have taken. We will continue our high level of support for the Commissioner as Ireland prepares for the new Regulation coming into effect from May 2018.”
Minister of State for Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD, added:
“Data Protection continues to be a fast-moving area and the last year alone has seen very significant developments, with the Privacy Shield and the European General Data Protection Regulation being just two of these areas; I expect that 2017 will be a similarly busy year.
“A strong, independent and well resourced Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is a key element in ensuring that Ireland continues to keep pace with these developments. Since my appointment in 2014 we have undertaken a major programme of work to strengthen Ireland’s data protection regime. Today’s opening marks a very significant milestone in this work which has seen the budget of this Office increase four-fold to over €7.5m and its staff more than double since 2014.”