Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that the ODCE is adequately staffed and funded to enable it to undertake its role in data protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16905/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Data Protection Commissioner is responsible for upholding the rights of individuals as set out in the Data Protection Acts. The Commissioner is appointed by Government and is independent in the exercise of her functions.

Since mid-2016 my Department has been participating in the Inter-Departmental Committee on Data Issues, led by the Department of the Taoiseach. The implications of, and preparedness for, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been the main agenda item over this time. This forum has provided observations on the Data Protection Bill, and has also acted as a very useful network to discuss issues across Government Departments and what needs to be done to respond accordingly.

It is a requirement under the GDPR for Government Departments to have a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO in my Department plays a critical role in assisting the Department on data protection, and with preparing for, and responding to, issues that may arise when the EU GDPR comes into force on 25 May 2018. This Officer works with Business Units across the Department, and also with the Offices that come within its remit, including the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.