James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when additional commissioners will be appointed to the Data Protection Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52426/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government clearly commits to ‘Recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland.’ Delivering on this commitment means supporting and resourcing the DPC to deal with an ever increasing workload with increasingly complex investigative requirements.

On 27 July 2022, the government approved the commencement of the process to appoint two additional Commissioners to support the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Data Protection Commission (DPC). In line with the legislation which provides for the appointment of Commissioners, the independent Public Appointments Service will run the process. The Public Appointments Service is tasked with making a recommendation on the two people for appointment as Commissioner following an open selection competition. This is expected to to be completed early in 2023.

I have also asked the DPC to undertake a review of governance structures, staffing arrangements and processes. This review will being carried out to support the work to be performed by the new three person Commission model.

The Government values the DPC’s important and independent role as one of the largest EU data protection authorities and acknowledges its strong track record in carrying out its duties. The Department of Justice will continue to provide the support it requires.